This week we just look at some more avenues of ways to approach our “eating”. Take some time to look through the list and if you want, there’s others listed in past post and find some things to start doing. However, just make one change at a time until it becomes habit and then add another one that you can be mindful of. This was success builds success and the ones that aren’t working for you can be discarded forever or put on hold to try maybe later. Either way – you win! Because you just keep exploring and finding things you can do that will work for you to make small changes that then up to big and long term changes.
Make it fun!!!!
Let’s brainstorm several different “ways of attacking” our old behaviors so you can begin transforming your choices and ways of looking at your “issues”. Begin by checking off maybes, then by numbering / checking / starring your favorite ideas down to not sure but willing to try it. Choose ones that will work for YOU, be creative and adjust them to your particular needs. Rewriting the ones that “speak” to you, that say “I can do that” or “I’d like to try that” to see how it works and put them on the list that follows of your new “habits” you would like to develop. (You can make your own marks for yes, maybes, give it a thought, etc. next to the ones that you would consider giving a try to see if it might work for you as you read through them).
- Don’t force total denial of your favorite foods and all the adjustments at the same time, allow time to really get in the mode of changing one habit at a time.
- Understand there may be one food, habit or “issue” you keep, such as chocolate or ribs occasionally. Oh well, that’s still going to be better than where you used to be – its’ OK.
- Keep a journal to monitor your progress and help you see where your pitfalls / weak points are so we can plan alternatives to sidestep them as often as possible until it becomes a habit.
- Choose a friend to talk with, give feedback and / or work on individual goals “together”.
- Be aware of emotional eating and food intake. Let it become a question of “why am I eating this?” “Am I really hungry?” “How am I feeling emotionally is that attached to this food?” and “What is it that I am getting ready to put into my body?”
- Learn the art of substitutions:
- Get into the habit of only 1 time per week having a frozen yogurt for a special dessert, or other “treat” that you really enjoy – for example – in place of ice cream.
- Eat raw vegetables instead of chips (crunchy things).
- Yogurt instead of pudding.
- Use real butter and liquid oil instead of margarine or solid shortening, applesauce instead of oil in cake, etc. (better for your heart and cholesterol).
- Drink 100% fruit juices and water in place of soda and tea (caffeine is a diuretic and sodas are loaded with chemicals.
Blessings as you create your “substitutions”, and write in your journal to recognize what and why you are eating (and don’t forget when) and engaging someone else who’d like to join you or be your support system. Remember to relax and enjoy the journey!!!! And some day the destination will be met and also maintained.
I Can Do This Lifestyle 