No, I’m not talking about the popular movie out right now although the title of this article was inspired by the movie of the same name. But that’s as far as the similarity goes.
This wellness writing has more to do with how you can seriously fool yourself into thinking even though you have health challenges with symptoms like headaches, digestive upset, sleepless nights, or weight gain you believe nothing is wrong. That you don’t have a problem – that all is well, but really it isn’t, but you are choosing to either ignore it or are perhaps too afraid to make changes.
Here are the 5 Common Ways You May be Playing Games with Your Eating Habits and 5 Easy Solutions:
Common Way#1 Costs more to Eat Healthy: It actually doesn’t. Eating a diet filled with primarily quality protein, fresh fruits and vegetables is less expensive than eating packaged foods or dashing through the fast food line. Also, because these foods tend to be lacking in any real nutrition you often feel more hungry and tend to eat more of it. Solution: Shop at farmer’s markets, ethnic grocery stores (tend to be less expensive) or, even better yet, grow your own.
Common Way#2 I’ll take care of this later: Guess what – later never comes. A year from now – 5 years from now everything remains the same. All your hopes for a healthy life, body and/or mind are gone. You get comfortable in your discomfort about your body with all its lumps and bumps, aches and pains – this is now your normal. You give up and may even catch yourself saying “hey I can try starting again on Monday”. But unfortunately your plans for Monday end up being a fantasy as well. Solution: Just do it. I know, easier said than done. But you need to start. You don’t need to be perfect, it only takes just one small step towards your healthier future. Don’t allow yourself to put it off any longer.
Common Way#3 I need Starch in Every Meal: A perfectly balanced meal does not have to have a potato, rice or beans included. These starchy food items may “fill you up” but that doesn’t necessarily mean you are nourished. You may have a hard time utilizing the additional carbohydrates found in these starches causing blood sugar issues, which inevitably causes weight gain or an inability to take weight off. Solution: You can feel nourished by simply having a piece of salmon with asparagus and a green salad. Or try 2 or 3 high water content vegetables with your protein – chard, broccoli and summer squash for example.
Common Way#4 No meal is complete without dessert: Most of you grew up with that habit deeply entrenched into your mealtime traditions. And what does dessert usually consist of? It is usually sweet, gooey and highly caloric. Psychologically you may feel you deserve this “treat” after the hard day you just had. I strongly advise that you avoid using food as a reward – it’s a bottomless pit where you may end up using that excuse every chance you get. Solution: Why not try a piece of cheese with fruit or 1 tbsp of Almond Butter – these food choices will leave you satisfied and less susceptible to uncontrollable sugar cravings.
Common Way#5 TV & Snacking Just Goes Together: Well that’s a big one for so many people. You automatically pull out the popcorn, chips, candy bar or ice cream when tube gets turned on. Its so natural. Just like when you go to the movies of course you have to have the popcorn, soda and junior mints – they just go together like 4th of July and Mom’s Apple Pie. Just because that’s what others do and have done for “eternity” doesn’t mean it’s good for you or that it can’t be changed. Breaking these cultural food habits takes a little work but can be accomplished when you set your mind to it. Solution: Have a cup of tea instead of the munchies when watching your favorite Reality Show or Drama. If you must eat something – limit yourself to say 10 almonds. But before you start eating anything check in with yourself – are you really physically hungry or are you emotionally hungry as in bored, stressed or anxious. If you slow down enough to ask yourself this question your “hunger” will usually disappear on its own.
Using some of these solutions I provided here for you will help you stop playing games with your hunger – I have no doubt.
