Most of us want to eat better right? So, what is the first thing we do when we make this decision? We begin to rule out the foods we cannot eat anymore. We make a loooong list. This is partly why diets don’t work. When we begin anything new from a negative standpoint we are doomed from the start. There is a saying: what we resist persists. Have you noticed how as soon as you tell yourself you are no longer allowed to eat chocolate, that is all you can think of. You didn’t think about chocolate that much before. Now you could swear it’s calling your name.
Here are some thoughts on eating and focus. What if we made a list – a different kind of list. One that “added” in all the new foods we plan to incorporate into our eating regime. Bingo! Now it gets interesting. Go shopping and look at all the exciting colourful fresh foods. Toss them in your cart with enthusiasm.
Here are a few ideas:
- Make a little snack bag for when you crave unhealthy foods. Keep it handy. Mix together fresh nuts or seeds, cranberries, goji berries and even organic dark chocolate chips.
- Make your own salad dressings, hummus and nut butters.
- Add in more fresh veggies rather than pre-packaged items.
- Buy 70% dark chocolate instead of candy bars filled with additives and white sugar
- If you have sweet cravings at night, drink licorice tea.
- If you have salt cravings at night you are likely low on some minerals in your diet. Add in seafood and omega fatty acids and/or fish oils. (and see your naturopath)
As we add in more and more good foods we start to feel better. And the amazing part is our physiology changes too. This means you will crave the not so good stuff less and less. Any change takes 28 days. Give yourself a chance and commit to this 28 day period. You will wake up clear-headed, feel better and look better. And you might shave off a few pounds too.
I wish you an abundant summer filled with much love, passion and adventure. As always I am here to support you in this life journey and love your feedback.
photo credit: First Root Farm CSA Ninth Pickup #3 via photopin