When it comes to improving one's health, the most common hurdle is losing weight. Exercise is a factor and is important but often the biggest factor is one's food choices. We live in a culture where we are fed constantly the message that there is some "silver bullet" that can solve our eating difficulties.
The reality is that there is no shortcut. We must have discipline. Yep, I said it: we must have discipline. This is a hard word and many of us, when we hear it, may think there is no hope. But this is not true! We must have discipline but it is also helpful to have some keys to follow. Here are four keys to follow that will help you improve your eating habits.
- Make your home a sanctuary. In your home, do not have any non-foods. Your refrigerator and cabinets should be full of whole foods - green veggies, a diversity of colored veggies, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, potatoes and finally some animal products (dairy, beef, lamb, poultry, fish).
- If you are going to be traveling or you are going to have a crazy American day, running everywhere, then plan ahead. The night before, pick your restaurant out and go to the menu and pre-determine the healthiest choice you can make. Drink only water. Then communicate to a friend, family member, co-worker your decision to provide accountability. By doing this you are not showing up hungry and deciding at that moment but you have already made your decision.
- If you are going to be traveling or you are going to have a crazy American day running everywhere then plan ahead. Make at home the night before a healthy portable meal and or snacks. Bring water!
- If you make 1, 2, and 3 your lifestyle discipline - then on a date night, a special occasion, holiday, or celebration don't worry about it and celebrate free from guilt. If you have 30-50 splurges a year you will be healthy. Get 300+ days of eating healthy and you will be healthy.
It just takes a little bit of discipline. And as we all know small bits of discipline in life add up. So, get disciplined and take the four tips and make them part of your life!
To your health,
Julian