The Pyramid of Change

A way of reducing overwhelm when thinking about a new approach

I wanted to write briefly to share this concept with you, which is also featured in my book Ultra Processed Women, because I know that some of you have signed up to this substack because you want to improve your diet, your approach to food and cooking, and perhaps explore other areas such as screen use, human connection, environmental issues, chemicals in your home…and more.

The trouble is, as noble a cause as this is, it can become overwhelming.

I speak from personal experience here.

When I was writing Ultra Processed Women, I was initially enthused. But, as the research progressed, and in particular when I was writing the chapter about the environment, I began to feel a creeping sense of despair.

I also know that many of us, myself included, can create an image in our minds of ‘the perfect other’, a person who is getting everything right and succeeding in positive change whilst we flounder and reach for the Pringles.

This prevents us from celebrating the small wins, which then limits our progress.

Too much pressure to change ‘everything all at once’ can result in us simply giving up.

So, early on in our journey together, I’d like to introduce the pyramid of change…