The new year is upon us once again. Many of us choose resolutions to make healthier choices in the coming months. A common decision people tend to make is to completely cut out a food/eating habit that they tend to turn to frequently but that is ultimately harmful in some way. The motivation for such a decision is often in the right place - to be healthier - however, this kind of sudden "cold turkey" approach often ends in failure.
As we think about how we want to approach 2011, it is helpful to set up a plan for success in healthy habits. Rather than simply removing a food/eating habit it is helpful to first examine what about our lives is triggering the need to turn toward these habits. Next, we may want to find alternative strategies to put in to place throughout the day when we realize we need some help.
We may want to take the time to do some planning for the next day before we turn in to bed at night. For example, lunch tends to be difficult to manage for many working people. Rather than joining in with co-workers on a daily basis ordering lunch out, try packing a lunch and snacks the day before to bring to work. If it feels like this is being too stingy or controlling, than choose one day a week to order out - like Monday or Friday. Then, when making choices for food to bring to work, try to stay away from processed/packaged foods. Some fun things I like to bring to work (and which my co-workers invariably tend to eat, so I have to pack more) include:
baby carrots (sometimes with natural peanut butter for a dip)
homemade mixture of real Ghiredelli Chocolate Chips, raw almonds, raisens
dry Frosted Shredded Mini-Wheats (sometimes in with the mixture above)
sandwich with whole wheat bread, peanut butter and local honey
fresh fruit (apples, pineapples, oranges, bananas, berries, melons)
baked potato with broccoli and cheese (easily microwavable)
whole wheat wrap with re-fried beans, cheese, salsa, avocado
leftover homemade chicken soup with pasta (like elbows) and escarole
whole wheat bagel sandwich (peanut butter, cheese/tomato/lettuce, etc)
Once a person gets the hang of packing up a lunch, it becomes very easy to grow creative and have fun with the choices made. Another benefit, is that food is readily available when hunger strikes - no need to order, wait and pay for it. Plus, bringing healthy snacks to munch on every few hours keeps
blood sugars steady throughout the day, therefore people are less likely to overeat at mealtime, their energy levels tend to stay steady, and the ability to concentrate and remain focused should be consistent during the workday.
Another important point to remember is to pay attention to what beverages are being consumed. Here is link that can explain to you the effect of soda on the body.
http://blisstree.com/feel/what-happens-to-your-body-if-you-drink-a-coke-right-now/
Try bringing home brewed iced tea (sweetened with honey if needed) or just plain old water with a slice of lemon for flavor. Stay away from sugarless drink mixes. Avoid buying bottled water - all that plastic packaging is harmful to the body and the environment. Invest in a stainless steel water bottle or thermos.
Wishing you a happy and healthy new year!
Gina
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