Changes must be made based on you and your lifestyle goals. Every human being is different. We each have different minds, bodies and environments and so we need to work with what we have to get where we want to go.
Everything we have talked about so far and everything going forward, is about creating a conscious shift. It is a true lifestyle change or refinement depending on your needs and goals. Changes must be made based on you and your lifestyle goals. Every human being is different. We each have different minds, bodies and environments and so we need to work with what we have to get where we want to go. Even if you have worked with this or struggled for a lifetime with it, the goal is to move forward. One step at a time, one day at a time, one win at a time.
Let’s further break it down and look at specific food behaviors and possible ways to interrupt the pattern. There is a physical response that happens from chewing crunchy things. Endorphins (which make us feel happy) are released. Let’s say you are watching T.V. and you begin to eat things like chips or popcorn for example that come in bulk. If you read the label, a serving size is about 12 -16 chips (or crackers) or a cup or two of popcorn yet it comes in a bag that contains 4-10 servings so if we run the risk of compulsively blasting through one serving then another and another … and another.
Some people may be able to throw the rest of the addictive food out, or stop and put it away but that takes great will power when in the middle of it. That takes a will power far more impressive than mine to stop mid-bite. Many people may be in the same boat, so remember if the food is in your home, and you cannot eat it in a healthy way, you can choose to not bring it in again – if you want to win the battle.
If you are a volume eater, find a way to begin to manage the folly through healthier food choices (you can have a lot of veggies and salad), or by reading labels (some people find it helpful to monitor calories or servings but this is not necessary if you tend to be obsessive about such things).
Reading labels also helps us to become more aware of which foods actually provide nutrition. This wheat thins label is an example. Are the calories and possible trigger to want/need more worth it? When you are not hungry is the time to go shopping at the grocery store. In fact, go after a healthy meal and take a prepared list. Stick to it. Do not let your impulses drive your shopping choices.
Hunger is ok. I repeat. It is ok to be hungry. Just not while you shop. I have not yet died between meals. My meals and snacks are designed to provide me “more bang for the buck.” They are healthy, nutritious and delicious. Do I have treats that have empty calories on occasion? You betcha. But it is all designed into the plan for balance. Balance of vitamins and minerals, satiation and even emotional satisfaction.
Here is the key. If you do bring in things that may not vibe with your overall health and happiness plan, don’t beat yourself up (being angry and negative) about it. Acknowledge it. And then choose again. Choose differently. For example, the next morning when you are not hungry or triggered to eat that food, toss it, give it away, destroy it. Those are the physical actions. Maybe you divide it into portions and label the containers. Only you know what works for you when you become conscious that you have a choice.
Remember, it is all “just information” which acts like guide posts along the way. The information, or facts, are not bad or good. They are just facts. They have no power over you. It is the story you attach that gives you joy, satisfaction or misery. If you are able to peacefully coexist with a food(s) for a long time and then it “starts calling to you,” you know there is something going on spiritually that needs a light shone on it. Don’t let it build, figure it out. Make a call. Do some journaling. Pray. Meditate. It’s the little irritations that cause us to slip into old behaviors, not the big stuff.
