You decide one day that you will finally lose that extra weight. You found the diet that you can stick to and your resolve is stronger than ever before. But then life happens…stress at work, lack of sleep, financial strains, kids won’t listen, your spouse is over working and tired too. You have one “cheat” meal and before you know it you just don’t care anymore and you fall back into the destructive habits that you were so eager and determined to beat. So will you ever be able to break the vicious cycle? Well, that depends on your readiness to plan and prepare and not rely on your limited will power. (I think I am pretty darn stubborn but then put a box of vegan Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies in front of me and they will be gone in seconds.)
So what is a person to do? Well, there are 5 things to remember.
1. Plan Plan Plan
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. -Ben Franklin
We are humans with addictions to so called “foods” (a bag of chemicals that Big Food companies have put together to resemble food) that were manufactured to hit the part of our brains that heroine affects. No wonder it is difficult to break the cycle but it can be done.
Set yourself up to win by planning your meals the day and week ahead. Yes, this will be hard at first because you don’t think you have time or energy to do it. Then you are not ready to get out of your rut and you will continue down the path of disease and weight gain. Remove the junk from your house and let others who live with you that this is a safe zone and they can’t bring junk in either. Stock your pantry with good foods so you never feel stressed about what to cook.
2. Find accountability partners.
We are social beings and nothing will propel you forward more than an obligation to another human. Groups are powerful and the energy is difficult to stop once it starts. Be an igniter. When you are struggling you will have a safe place to voice your concerns and others will be there to pick you up. That’s exactly why we created the Healthy Human Nation community, so we can support each other and grow stronger and more successful together!
3. Avoid sugars, processed grains, and oils.
You cannot have cheat meals. Think of your addiction like a drug or alcohol. Would you ever tell a drug addict or alcoholic that it was okay to drink or take a hit once in awhile to feed a craving? No no you would not and so don’t tell yourself it is okay for you either. STOP the cycle. Take foods with you to work or when you think you might not be able to make it home or eat a healthy meal. This alone decreases stress because you know you won’t have to face a temptation and over time the cravings will stop. You will however always be a food addict in recovery.
4. Don’t place yourself in dangerous places.
If you know you are going to the movies and your friend always has candy and a coke…don’t stand in line with her but instead go to the theater and save her a seat. Eat before you go and you will decrease the chance you will sneak a bite of her snacks.
5. Eat an apple or something healthy before you go to the grocery store.
So you know your home is the safe zone but the grocery store is full of temptations but studies have shown you change your buying habits if you eat something healthy prior to perusing the grocery aisles.
6. Gain mental power and confidence
Check out our mindset articles, posts, and podcasts to gain the understanding and mental strength you need to succeed.
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