Have you ever started a diet or simply decided to eat healthy food and then…. BOOM next thing you know you are eating an amazing pizza followed by a sweet delicious brownie and then the bad circle starts all over again!
I’m guilty! Been there done that. I had times when I was very good with eating healthy, allowing myself that occasional guilty pleasure here there but nothing more. But then something happens; maybe a stressful moment in your life or a traumatic experience or you just don’t feel like cooking and you start throwing your stress into food! Sounds familiar?
The consequence of eating unhealthy foods is bloating, feeling exhausted and putting on weight (just to name a few). The jeans you finally managed to wear after months of healthy eating are too tight, you feel depressed… and you know the rest.
How do you break free from this vicious circle?
1. Attitude & Strong WillPower
It’s the first and most important step. If you don’t have the right attitude, it’s hard to come out of it.
Even if you feel guilty, embarrassed that you gave in, you have to find it in yourself to say that it’s ok, it is a set back but now you can move forward.
Next chapter. New journey. Learn from it but don’t let it burden you.
2. Association
In addition to all the emotions described above, you are in a frail delicate state, you need friends who have your best interest at heart and that will encourage and motivate you to eat healthier.
“But Susie, it’s just one burger and fries. It’s not going to kill you”.
“Oh my, I could never do what you are doing! I love food too much”
Heard phrases like these before?
Take some time to explain to your dear friends why you are doing what you are doing and ask them to show you their support.
3. Get It Out of the House
Food can become an addiction and a safe haven. Just like any other addiction if you keep your drugs nearby, how long is it going to be before you give in? Get all the junk out of the house and substitute with healthier versions. There are so many wonderful and delicious goodies you can make for yourself that will still satisfy your cravings.
4. Exercise
I never and I mean never feel like exercising. I like sports like kayaking or hiking but I hate going to the gym. I find it boring and not motivating.
I have found two great ways to exercise that work with my body and it makes me feel refreshed and reinvigorated. Stretching and using the trampoline. (I’ll talk more about the best trampolines and stretching exercises in another blog, so if you want to know more, sign up to the newsletter below (wink wink)).
5. Reward Yourself
Rome wasn’t built in a day! I always want to see fast results, even after just a couple of days. It’s normal to feel that way but good things always take time.
Set milestones in your journey and when you successfully meet your goals, reward yourself. Get a manicure, a new hair do, go fishing, whatever makes you happy and rewarded.
6. Heal the Mind
Having gone through this process myself (several times), I realized that you need more than just good nourishment for your body. You need to heal your mind through encouragement and motivation. There are plenty of books, CDs, and also support groups. Find what fits your needs the best.
Some years ago I found this amazing audio program by Dr. Leonard Coldwell called The Power Stress Reduction. This therapy is designed to help with stress management, regeneration of the nervous system by giving a sense of calm and energy.
In addition I would recommend reading this book. Instinct Based Medicine: How to Survive Your Illness and Your Doctor. This helps me especially in times of extreme stress. I love the intro of the book:
“Everybody has to take control and responsibility over his or her life, health and happiness…. We have to take responsibility to make sure our body has the right ingredients to be able to do its work as best as possible. The most healing energy is produced when we are happy, fulfilled and successful.”
The book in itself is very easy to read, at times it’s not grammatically correct but the message is wonderful.
These are my top 6 things that have helped me jump-start my bad eating habits back to my healthier routine.
Have you had any success coming out of a vicious bad eating circle? Do you have any more tips? I’d love to hear from you! Let me know by leaving a comment below!
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