Helping your new healthy lifestyle become a habit
Let’s be honest. Changing your life- real, long-term change- is hard. It seems that everywhere we turn, our culture and our corporations are working against us. American food is about convenience and indulgence: Getting what we want, when we want it. (And that usually means something loaded with sugar, salt, and bad fats!)
Breaking this mold requires a total change in mindset. It requires you to stand apart from the pack, determined in your resolve and in your new-found priorities. It’s not about being holier-than-thou (a quick way to lose friends!); it’s about having your priorities straight and having a clear understanding about what matters most.
Instead of thinking about what you “should” or “shouldn’t” do, it’s far more productive to look at your everyday choices in the context of the bigger picture. When confronted with a decision, consider how your choice will affect you and your body. Not just in that moment, but for that week, that year, or even the rest of your life. When that giant slice of cheesecake (or whatever your “kryptonite” may be) is calling your name, it’s helpful to ask yourself: “Is this what I really want? Sure, it may taste great, but is it truly the best thing for me? Or is feeling better physically and being healthier more important to me than the short-lived indulgence of that dessert?”
Existing in a constant state of denial is no way to live either, of course; always depriving yourself of that slice of cheesecake will doom you to frustration and eventual failure (whatever “failure” may mean). It’s critical to maintain balance. It really is okay to enjoy that cheesecake every once in awhile–if it’s truly an uncommon treat. (And when you do have it on that rare occasion, it’s that much more enjoyable, because it’s actually a treat!)
Even more important than saying “no” to that cheesecake is saying “yes” to healthful, life-affirming foods that you truly enjoy. Finding new foods that are good for you- and tasty too!- is what it’s really all about. Focusing on what you can have instead of what you can’t will make all the difference. In the long run, positivity will always trump negativity.
Real change takes time. Living a healthy lifestyle is a journey of self-discovery, and a journey by its very nature will take awhile. Your first steps start when you have your “ah-ha!” moment and realize something’s got to change. After that, the path in front of you may twist and turn a bit, but as long as you keep headed in the right direction, you’ll come out ahead.
Has a change in your mindset helped you make lasting changes in your life? Tell us what worked for you!
Be well!
Andrew
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Jan 19, 2012 @ 07:39:00
For over six years now, I have stuck to an almost 100% unprocessed diet. Most recently I have eliminated gluten and dairy from diet. Once I changed my perspective and looked at my lifestyle as not depriving myself of anything, but instead as expanding my culinary knowledge, the lifestyle change became the easiest decision to live with and abide by.
Jan 19, 2012 @ 09:01:00
Yes! It’s really interesting how so many people think that eating healthfully is limiting — when in actuality, it can open up wonderful options and introduce you to delicious foods that you never would have considered otherwise.
Most people eat the same eight to ten meals over and over again. Adding variety is not just good for you, it’s intensely satisfying and soul-sustaining.
Jan 19, 2012 @ 07:56:00
I ask myself :
1 – how is this going to make me feel?2 – am I really hungry?3 – is this the best choice or just the easiest?4 – am I honoring my body with this?
If I answer no or not sure to one then I put it down and rethink my choice.
After awhile is becomes subconscious and temptations don’t appear nearly as often. And like Susan’s comment I don’t view it as deprivation but honoring my body and food, I feel as if going unprocessed and clean has actually opened up my diet to all kinds of new and wonderful foods that I may never had even considered before.
Jan 19, 2012 @ 08:59:00
I love these questions! What a great way to eat deliberately.
Regarding #2 — I’ve been finding lately that I’ve been confusing hunger and thirst, so as I ask myself if I’m really hungry, I pause to decide if I’m actually just thirsty. Sometimes simply drinking a glass of water can be plenty satisfying.
Jan 19, 2012 @ 08:20:00
Very well said!
“When you change the way you look at your health, the way you look at your health changes.”
http://orthovore.com/about/mission/
Jan 19, 2012 @ 09:01:00
Thanks, Christine!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 09:15:00
great article, Andrew. i totally agree about thinking about long term, rather than just the moment of gratification. that’s exactly what helps me — even thinking about an hour later — how good i’ll feel if i haven’t eaten the cheesecake, or if i’ve gone for a quick jog.
Jan 19, 2012 @ 10:17:00
What has worked for me is this:
I have observed that following some technique helps me to feed myself better and with more awareness. The techniques that have the strongest impact to me are: Reiki, Osho Dynamic Meditation, Breathing excercises, Yoga, Physical excercises and especially Aikido.
Thank you for the chance to express my point of view. Keep up the great work man!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 10:57:00
Andrew,
I think this is a great post and I couldn’t agree more that finding the “alternatives” that are healthier choices, but satisfy you, is an important aspect. I’m working on a post about will power, and one thing I’ve recognized in my own habits is that simply eating regularly, and well, helps me make better decisions. The longer I go without eating, or if I get off track, the worse my choices later!
I also totally agree that the less frequent treat becomes an even more enjoyable treat! Thanks for the encouraging perspective!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 11:22:00
Change is hard. True, long term goals is better than short term. My patience isn’t always good when it comes to losing weight. Food changes has been good, but I need to move around more. By the way, I’ve been sold on Uncle Sam’s cereal since the last time you featured it.
Jan 19, 2012 @ 11:50:00
Hi Andrew,
Great post! I agree that sometimes change happens when you stop allowing yourself think of all the reasons why you can’t and instead join in on the other half of other conversation, why you can!
Jan 21, 2012 @ 13:41:00
Hi Andrew,
What a timely coincidence. I was just thinking, on my 5 mile daily walk, that the best way to decide what to eat is to ask yourself “is this a healthy food?”. Common sense will tell you what is or is not healthy. I started on a journey 2 months ago to get my blood glucose under control with healthy food and lifestyle changes. I eat mostly fruits and vegetables, with an occasional treat, and make smoothies from raw fruits and vegetables. I just turned 53, I’ve lost 20 pounds so far, no more blood glucose problems and I feel better than I have ever felt. Change is not easy but pays off many times over.
Jan 21, 2012 @ 15:19:00
I say yes to grilled cheese when it’s totally worth it…
Jan 23, 2012 @ 09:57:00
This is a really great post! A lot of my clients, both in food and fitness, come to me looking for “easy” answers, and are often very upset when the realize that there are none. This is a great perspective on that!
Jan 23, 2012 @ 16:22:00
Change is indeed in the air. GREG
Jan 27, 2012 @ 23:27:00
I am also about balance and mindful lifestyle changes. Andrew is such a positive and motivational thinker.
Feb 16, 2012 @ 10:57:00
I woke up Jan. 8, 2010, and decided to change my life. My ah-ha moment came two weeks later when I had what I call “quiet mind.” Sugar junk food no longer called me (and hasn’t since). I still have nachos with friends now and then, but day in day out–I try to eat what makes my body and soul feel good, which means little “food like substances.” I try to tell people it is not “willpower,” but diffcult for other to understand. You stated it perfectly!