Sometimes, I find myself eating in anticipation of not wanting to be hungry later. Crazy, right? I agree, haha! I have found myself eating, when I'm not even hungry, but worried that later I'll be hungry at a time when I am unable to take the time to eat. (maybe this is just a hairdresser thing.....you know, shove in food between clients whether you're hungry or not!) Sometimes, I eat only because someone else in the room is eating. (Mike) Other times, I eat because something in front of me looks too good to pass up. (Cake) Can you relate?
Have you ever asked yourself, "Why am I eating this"? This is a great question to ask because it can eliminate eating out of boredom OR eating completely nutrition-less foods that serve the body no purpose. Food to the body is like gasoline to a car. It's purpose is for FUELING so that it can properly FUNCTION. Yet, food has become many things EXCEPT that. We use food as a celebration, to comfort, to cure boredom, to reduce stress, to punish, to reward....the last thing we sometimes consider is, "What does my body need right now?".
When I choose to eat whole, nutrient dense food, I am choosing to fuel my body with energy, vitamins, minerals, and vital macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fat) that are needed to sustain life and proper health. Seems like enough compelling reasons to choose healthier foods over unhealthy foods right? Apparently not, because this is a real struggle for most people. A vast majority of people are making their food choices based on what sounds appetizing at that moment rather than what their body is NEEDING.
Sometimes people choose their foods based on some radical diet that they are trying out. They have a list of what they can or can't eat, and they are mindlessly following some protocol of how they should eat so they can lose weight. Many times, they aren't considering at all what is truly healthy and needed for their body to function properly.
Years ago, I was completely oblivious to what healthy food was. It was not something I was considering as I planned my meals for the week. I was ADDICTED to Mt. Dew. I'm talking, fully-loaded, sugar and all, Mt. Dew. I LOVED it. I almost NEVER drank water. I also ate sugar at will, and thought nothing of grabbing a packaged snack like a Little Debbie oatmeal cream pie. (I still have to admit--those things are amazing)
I'm thankful that I stumbled into the world of fitness and health because one of my main goals in life now, is to live a LONG life that is filled with days of FEELING GREAT and LOVING MYSELF. I hope to live to be 100!! But in saying that, I want those days to be of high quality if possible. I want to have mobility, strength, and good health. My best shot of having that is to be mindful of what I'm eating and WHY I'm eating it and to continue strength training and staying active.
If that's something you desire also, then I encourage you to ask yourself the next time you reach into the cabinet for something to eat, "Why in the heck am I eating this?". If the answer is because your body will benefit from the nutrients that the food provides--then go for it! Otherwise, think twice about it. And remember....it's ok to have some junk food in moderation. I'm not saying you should eliminate it completely. I follow the 80/20 rule. (or probably more like 90/10) This means that 80-90% of the time, I'm eating whole, nutrient dense food that fuels my body efficiently. And 10-20% of the time, I'm indulging in some junky goodness!
Creating better eating habits can be challenging but IT CAN BE DONE. One helpful tip would be to buy 5 different healthy snack options at the store this week, and then set them out front and center on your counter or in your fridge. If they are in your sights, then you are more likely to grab for those things. I like to put apples in an attractive bowl on my table. I find that myself, and my kids, are more likely to grab one if they are sitting out and in plain sight.
If you need some help understanding what are good food choices for your body, send me a message or comment below and I will send you a healthy food list! This list is complete with protein, fat, and carbohydrates that your body and mind will thank you for!
Also if you’re interested in working with me to help make better and healthier choices this year, check out my limited-time, special offer at this link. Only a few spots remaining!
