While
genes play a large roll in determining who we are, we do have the ability
change ourselves. The old adage, “you are what you eat” has never been more
true. One of the surest ways to keep our bodies looking and feeling our best is
to eat clean. This means eating lean protein, plenty of vegetables and whole
grains and a diet free of processed foods.
Are you
saying to yourself, “well, I do that”. But, do you really? Or are there times
(and more of them) that you “cheat” and forget that you ate the fries off your
kids plates, had a diet soda with a meal, or tasted the batter of the cookies
that you were making for the school party, or the handful of m&m’s and
buttery popcorn at the movies.
Eating
clean is a lifestyle. And not a difficult one to attain. It is achieved by
developing and maintaining GOOD HEALTHY HABITS.
“Habits” are routines of behavior that are
repeated regularly and tend to occur subconsciously. They are acquired through
frequent repetition. Sometimes, we don’t even realize we are doing them. Habits
define our character, our thoughts and feelings- our “usual behaviors”. Because habits are repeated frequently, we
become “better’” at them.
To form a habit, all you need to do
is to repeat the activity. With enough repetition, it becomes a habit.
Good habits tend to take time to
make. Did you know that scientists agree that the average person needs at least
3 weeks to develop good habits. In
forming good habits, it is important to make a specific plan and have a goal.
If you dream the impossible, it is possible.
Some easy steps to forming “good” sustainable
habits are:
· Be
proactive. You are the only one who can control your destiny. Take the
initiative. Make the decision to improve your life and then make plan. That’s
the secret to success, making a deliberate plan. Here’s a tip: EAT BREAKFAST
EVERY DAY!
· Commit
to the habit. If you want to change, you have to work at it. Do not quit if you
“fall off”. Get “right back on” track! Here’s a tip: COMMIT TO A DAILY
EXERCISE. THERE ARE NO HOLIDAYS WHEN IT COMES TO EXERCISE!
· Go
slowly. Don’t change your entire routine at once. Small steps can lead to big
changes. Here’s a tip: WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT? DON’T GO ON A FOOD FAST. EAT SMALL
HEALTHY MEALS AND HEALTHY SNACKS.
· Consistency
is key! The point of a habit is that it doesn’t require thought. While variety
may be the spice of life, it doesn’t create habits. Make sure your habit is as
consistent as possible and that it is repeated everyday. This will ensure that
a new habit is drilled in! Here’s a tip: EVERY DAY DRINK WATER INSTEAD OF SODA
OR JUICE.
· Write
it down. Keeping a journal of your thoughts and feelings, as well as a daily
food log, will help you feel more in control and accountable for your actions.
· There
is no better way to break bad habits than knowing that you have the confidence
to do so. Confidence is the key to a well-lived life.
No
surprise coming from me that a good diet and regular exercise can become a good
habit and lead to a healthy lifestyle. Want to learn how? Contact me at Rachel@livehealthynyc.com
