You Don't Need More Protein, Just The Right Chicken

When we moved into our current home, we lived in the basement for 6 months while the upstairs was being renovated. We live at the top of a hill with a 750 ft driveway, and our renovations took us all the way through winter.

I had so much anxiety about workers being able to get up our driveway that winter that I was obsessed with clearing the snow.

It was easy to shovel back then. I had little else to do, the fresh air felt good, and the winter wasn’t too bad. Any time it snowed, I was out there with my shovel for the majority of the day. (For the record, when the snow was deep enough, we had a neighbor do the heavy lifting with his plow. Bless him.)

Fast forward to now: my relationship with winter has changed. Two years ago, a record-breaking winter left our house with so much damage that we’re still not fully recovered—physically or emotionally. And these days, I avoid snow shovels like the plague.

Except when it comes to my chickens.

The other night, after 5 or so inches of snow fell, I finally went to check on my girls. (They’re old, stingy in the egg department, and spoiled.) Their coop is surrounded by a concrete patio, and knowing they wouldn’t venture out with snow underfoot, I grabbed the shovel and cleared the entire area.

Why? Because chickens need sunlight to trigger egg-laying, and being stuck inside all winter isn’t great for them. Even though I now dread shoveling, I don’t hesitate when it comes to my chickens. Meanwhile, the UPS man can blaze his own trail to the door. Sorry, not sorry.

And so, my friend, what does all this have to do with health? Well, there are a few lessons here:

1: When something aligns with your values and goals, you’ll find the energy to act.

I value fresh eggs—nutritionally and sustainably—but more importantly, I value my chickens. I want more eggs (asap, please), and I want my chickens to be healthy, so I’m willing to do what I need to do to help that happen.

Finding a strong enough “why” is an important step in the process of achieving your goals.

2: Accountability is the secret to consistency.

Accountability can come in many forms - a buddy, a coach, or even a flock of stubborn chickens - but it’s an important aspect of sticking to your goals. So find yours.

Motivation will always wane, but accountability keeps you going.

3: Pain avoidance is a powerful motivator.

By shoveling immediately, I avoid the pain of chipping away at ice later, dealing with a filthy(er) coop in spring, or—let’s be real—having a bunch of freeloading chickens longer than necessary.

Pain and discomfort can work into your “why” nicely. And for the record, it’s totally fine to change up your “why” regularly.

So as you have set goals for this new year (or new month, or even new week), ask yourself if those goals align with your values and long-term aspirations. What is your “why”, and is it powerful enough to make you act? And who, or what, is your chicken? Wink.

If you’re a member of GLP-1 Done Right, the new community is the perfect place to find accountability. Whether it’s me or a new friend, we’ll help you stay on track with your goals, so come check it out!

Comment below and tell me what kind of accountability or motivation keeps you humming along. I'd love to hear about your "chicken"!

Hugs & Smoothie Smiles,

Coach Camille PN, SSR

PS: If you’re confused by my play on words with today’s subject line, visit module 4, lesson 7 in GLP-1 Done Right. I’m a big advocate for normal amounts of protein and teaching you why you don’t need to protein-stuff, like so many people are telling you to do right now. Let’s focus on nourishing our bodies the way they’re meant to be. 😊

PPS: If you’re wondering what all this has to do with taking GLP-1, my answer is ‘everything’. GLP-1 helps your cells learn how to behave, but for long-term success, we need to learn how to behave as well.