Ok Friends- how many of you just let go of all control of your food intake in the summer? With graduation parties, birthdays, cook outs, camping, weddings and so much more keeping us so busy all summer- it's hard to keep up with our healthy eating habits.
Now how many of you have also used food as a reward for something you've accomplished? Or to show off at a party that you can make the best dessert? Or to be serving to others as you are entertaining them at your home? Or ate 4 brownies in a day but would never let your child do so? Or finish a meal and start thinking what am I going to eat next? Or as a way to comfort you when feeling overwhelmed, tired, stressed or depressed?? (by the way if you are tired, stressed or depressed- try Eleviv www.eleviv.com)
I can say that I have done all of the above- I literally let food or thoughts of food control the majority of my day. If I drove to Stevens Point- where they have many more restaurants than Plainfield, all I could think on my way there is "where can I treat myself to today?" WHAT? It's not like I was on vacation in Hawaii!! I'm driving 30 minutes away to run errands. I have to admit- I have this fear that I will be without food for some reason and my thoughts would be something like this...- what if I don't make it home?... When will I have food again?... I'm not really hungry, but I love Culvers so I think I will stop quick....I've had a rough day, I deserve some ice cream.... Dan will never know if I have this now and then eat again when I get home....WOW- I can tell you, I was not controlling my thoughts or my actions when it came to eating. I totally took it for granted and did not make wise or healthy choices. DOES THIS RING A BELL WITH YOU?
We are blessed to live in a country with an over abundance of food and unfortunately we take it for granted and don't use it wisely.
Have you ever thought that the only reason we really have food is to nourish our bodies and to give it the fuel it needs to get through one day?
Now how many of you have also used food as a reward for something you've accomplished? Or to show off at a party that you can make the best dessert? Or to be serving to others as you are entertaining them at your home? Or ate 4 brownies in a day but would never let your child do so? Or finish a meal and start thinking what am I going to eat next? Or as a way to comfort you when feeling overwhelmed, tired, stressed or depressed?? (by the way if you are tired, stressed or depressed- try Eleviv www.eleviv.com)
I can say that I have done all of the above- I literally let food or thoughts of food control the majority of my day. If I drove to Stevens Point- where they have many more restaurants than Plainfield, all I could think on my way there is "where can I treat myself to today?" WHAT? It's not like I was on vacation in Hawaii!! I'm driving 30 minutes away to run errands. I have to admit- I have this fear that I will be without food for some reason and my thoughts would be something like this...- what if I don't make it home?... When will I have food again?... I'm not really hungry, but I love Culvers so I think I will stop quick....I've had a rough day, I deserve some ice cream.... Dan will never know if I have this now and then eat again when I get home....WOW- I can tell you, I was not controlling my thoughts or my actions when it came to eating. I totally took it for granted and did not make wise or healthy choices. DOES THIS RING A BELL WITH YOU?
We are blessed to live in a country with an over abundance of food and unfortunately we take it for granted and don't use it wisely.
Have you ever thought that the only reason we really have food is to nourish our bodies and to give it the fuel it needs to get through one day?
This is one part of the FAVAO program that I am following in love with. I eat every 2-3 hours and it's just enough to keep me fueled for my day. The food is clean and healthful. I never put anything in my mouth that won't be used by my body- nothing processed, no preservatives, no harmful chemicals or dyes. One of my goals in this journey was to be a good example to my boys and my extended family and friends. I want people to see that healthy eating can be enjoyable and delicious! Thus far at the end of 4 weeks, I have never been more convinced that this is a lifestyle for not only this 12 weeks, but for a lifetime.
Addressing some of the above, this is how I have handled those old habits so far...
* I have found other ways to "reward" myself other than food- such as buying a new shirt for my new found curves:)
*My desserts consist of FAVAO friendly recipes like grape salad & fruit and yogurt parfait (and the are still the best at the party!!)
*While people have been in my home- I offer a healthier choice for snacks or dinner. I used to convince myself that people would grumble if everything was healthy- but they DON'T!
*I'm always excited to see what's next on my menu- but I now realize that I'm not thinking of it for that full 3 hours. I don't have to be constantly thinking about it. It's all planned out!
*I pack snacks and a little lunch bag every time we leave the house, so I'm not thinking about stopping for a snack.
*I have resorted to chewing gum in stressful situations rather than going to the cupboard for comfort.
This is just the beginning for me, I can say I have had a few weak moments and have given into chocolate a couple of times, but nothing like eating 4 brownies! I have 2 amazing accountability partners with my husband Dan and good friend, Jen that I am so thankful for on this journey. That is key to success with any new journey in health & wellness.
"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step".
Martin Luther King
Martin Luther King
**A QUICK NOTE ABOUT MY PICTURE: I had a blast with team members filling meals for Feed My Starving Children! If you want to know more about feeding starving children in other countries visit: www.mpactproject.net
I'm not exaggerating when I say the US has an over abundance of food. We are on a mission to make sure that food is distributed to where it is needed most through XanGo Goodness Mealpacks!
Please feel free to comment or ask any questions!