Change Takes Time: A Pep Talk for Anyone Managing IBS or Pre-Diabetes
Written by Anne-Marie Sawula, RD CDE — Registered Dietitian specializing in pre-diabetes & gut health
“Be patient. It’ll make you better.”
That’s what my coach said when I was frustrated with yet another modified workout because of a sore shoulder. I’d been annoyed, not just by the pain, but by the slow pace of healing. I just wanted it fixed — now.
And honestly? That same feeling comes up all the time in my nutrition practice.
Whether you’re navigating a new IBS diagnosis, trying to reverse pre-diabetes, or simply trying to feel better in your body, it’s normal to want quick results. You’re making changes — shouldn’t your body respond right away?
I wish it worked that way. But the truth is: progress in nutrition is often quiet, slow, and non-linear. And it requires patience.
But patience is hard — especially when you're doing "everything right"
If you’ve ever thought:
“Why am I still bloated after avoiding FODMAPs for a week?”
“I’ve cut out sugar — why hasn’t my A1c dropped yet?”
“I’ve been walking every day and nothing’s changing…”
You’re not alone. We live in a world of instant gratification — same-day shipping, 2-minute reels, and fad diets that promise abs in 14 days. But when it comes to your health, especially your gut or blood sugar, real change takes time.
What the Research Says About Patience
There’s some fascinating research looking at different types of patience:
Interpersonal patience (with others)
Life hardship patience (with long-term goals)
Daily hassles patience (like traffic or grocery store lines)
All three are linked to better mental health and higher life satisfaction. But the one that really stands out for my clients?
Life hardship patience — the ability to stick with something through long, slow, messy seasons.
This kind of patience has been associated with lower depression and better general health.
In other words: being kind to yourself through the ups and downs of a health journey matters. A lot.
Three Ways to Build More Patience on Your Health Journey
1. Reframe Progress
Instead of only measuring success by the scale or your bloodwork, ask:
→ “What am I doing differently this week that supports my health?”
→ “What small win can I celebrate today?”
2. Practice Gratitude
Try writing down 3 things you’re grateful for at the end of the day — including one related to your body. Gratitude can shift your focus from frustration to progress.
3. Make Yourself Wait (In Small Ways)
Choose the longer line at the coffee shop. Pause before checking your phone. Practicing patience in low-stakes situations helps you build the muscle for higher-stakes ones.
In Summary
Healing your gut, reversing pre-diabetes, or building new habits isn’t supposed to be fast — it’s supposed to be foundational. It’s about building something sustainable, not just getting through a 21-day challenge.
So if your body is taking its time to respond, that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human.
Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep trusting the process.
Be patient. It will make you better.
Want help navigating the process?
Book a nutrition check-up to get clear on what’s working, what’s not, and what to focus on next. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
References
Aghabaei N, Tabik MT. (2015): Patience and Mental Health in Iranian Students. Iran J Psychiatry Behave Sci. 9(3):e1252. doi: 10.17795/ijpbs-1252.