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Another Argument to Harness the Basics
- Derek Arsenault (CSEP-CPT, PN1)
- Jun 19
- 4 min read
As a Precision Nutrition (PN) Coach, it's not hard to figure out that I LOVE PN's work. The balanced, client-centered approach to coaching is REFRESHING and VERY MUCH needed in our industry. On top of that, they have decades of working with REAL PEOPLE (like you and I) to support not only other scientific research, but their own. 🥰
I wanted to share a few things with you from the article: "The True Cost of Optimal Health". This is a long article, packed with a TON of fantastic info, as always, so I wanted to break down a couple important points to help focus on some foundations (because I don't want anything feeling overwhelming).
The Basics Work
Those who are clients at Zenergy Health & Wellness and/or follow the Zen Blog, know that I am 100% on the "simplicity train". Basics are where the magic happens; particularly when combined with consistency and time. And my favourite aspect personally, is that this approach makes health ALOT less stressful! 🙂
The article from PN shares the reminder that "optimal" is NOT always going to give the most "bang for your buck". In fact, it reminds us that after a certain amount of effort/volume, we get a diminishing returns effect. Take a look at this... 👇
This graph shows us that as training volume with exercise increases, the benefits of exercise actually begins to mirror doing little to no exercise. In other words, "optimal" is actually LESS than we think.
Take a look at where the current exercise guidelines sit on this graph. There's an awesome reduction in health risk just working within that range of training volume. Do a little bit more and you can reap the MOST health benefits from your actions. However, as you begin to do even more, you begin to see little to no additional benefit. Keep going into more extremes and you actually begin to see the benefits move in the opposite direction that most people are aiming for!
YOU Need to Factor into this Equation
We discuss here on the blog, and during coaching sessions how YOU need to do what works for YOU. Today, we constantly seek out external advice and information (be it random or targeted) and we, much too often, tend to "put our health" in SOMEONE ELSE'S responsibility.
YOU, your deep health, as YOUR priority can open so many doors of possibility in your life and daily routines. Some people WANT to push their health practices a bit more, which is ok. And some people would rather care for their health with a bit lesser intensity, which is also ok. Look at this chart shared by PN in the article... 👇
Take a look at where the MOST life satisfaction and overall wellbeing sit: With moderate to high efforts. Now look at what happens if you PUSH those efforts more towards "optimal" - The life satisfaction slowly creeps to less. Once again, diminishing returns.
Society, Marketing and Our Own Mind Hold us Back
PN's article eludes to the fact that professionals touting these "optimal" longevity health practices create this mental image for many people that health is FAR off (and possibly feeling like it's out of reach for some). However, as these graphs show, we really DON'T need to be that far on the spectrum of effort and optimizing. We can reap amazing benefits with the time and science proven impact of doing the BASICS; Those foundational lifestyle habits that allow us to stay healthy while ALSO staying happy in the process.
Information overload, influencers and marketing lead us to believe that MORE is what we need to be healthy. When you hear this OVER and OVER, and it's in your face daily, it doesn't take long to understand why INACTION and/or FEAR is abundant, when talking about deep health. It feels unachievable at these extremes, and many of us DON'T WANT to go to that length to "be healthy".
I'm hoping that in sharing these graphs, that this can remind you that "optimal" practices are NOT necessary to positively impact your health. Basics, consistency over time and (as I like to remind people), ENJOYMENT / reduced stress connected with your health habits can provide you with wonderful health benefits, and a lifestyle that will feel GOOD rather than a burden/forced.
Again, the article link provided at the start of this post is (as PN always does) an awesome source of info - but this one packs in ALOT! I want to remind those of you who (may) dive into it, that we DON'T need to dive into EVERYTHING at once with our health. In fact, it's recommended to NOT approach health in that way. Focus on 1 or 2 things, find your rhythm, find what works for you or what doesn't work for you and keep the practice consistent for a while, before you move into targeting another aspect of your health. I'll also remind you, that with PN's Deep Health Model that I coach with, EVERY aspect of our deep health is connected to all others. For example:
~When we focus on our sleep quality and quantity we help our physical health (rest, recover, repair) and mental health (concentration, mental clarity, decision making etc)
~ This helps our emotional health (less mood swings, increased self-confidence etc)
~ These things can all help our spiritual health (sense of purpose for example)
~ This can help us in our social health (tending to be more willing to be involved, cultivate healthy relationships etc)
... All of this (as a quick example), just by focusing on SLEEP. 🥰
Want to discuss how YOU can add more BASIC health practices into your days?
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Want to discuss a little deeper how the Deep Health Model can help you create a lifestyle that fits with your day-to-day?
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Want to learn how you can move away from the "optimal" and create habits that are realistic for YOU?
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