Put a frog in a pot of boiling water and he will immediately jump out. But put a frog in a pot of cool water, gradually increase the temperature one degree at a time, and he will adapt. By the
time the frog realizes the water is boiling he is cooked.
Most people associate mental stress or physical ill health with their current circumstances, assuming an acute cause-and-effect relationship. Few broaden their perspective to the possibility of something long term or chronic. It’s hard to recognize any pernicious element residing within an everyday habit, particularly when that habit makes one feel good.
When left to their own devices and choice children default to fun foods, foods high in fat, sugar and salt. Sure, teachers and parents can tell them that these are poor choices; that fresh,
whole foods provide better nutrition; and that processed foods create numerous health problems.
But the child feels good now; therefore, how can these foods be bad? The reality is that the negative effects take decades to accumulate; by which time the frog is cooked.
Adults make similar choices with work and lifestyle choices. They may choose income potential over working conditions; romantic ideals over sustainable relationships; an aspirational lifestyle
(accumulating debt) over deferred gratification (accumulating savings). They may read self-help articles and books that inform them of the consequences of their choices. But it all feels so good
right now; how can it be in any way bad; until some years or decades later they realize they are a cooked frog.
If you have noticed the temperature rising in your own life, it may be time to jump out of the pot. The Intensive Lifestyle Makeover at iHealth Center provides the support needed to leave the
relative comfort and familiarity of the warming pot; to adopt new habits and lifestyle choices.
The Intensive Lifestyle Makeover helps you identify seemingly innocuous behaviors, habits or mindlessness that have ‘raised the heat’ over time, and change them in ways that get you back to room
temperature.
If you are in hot water, Ask Dr. Kweethai to help you lower the temperature; or better yet ask her to help you get out of the pot!
