I joined an on-line fitness group for a 90-day challenge to begin 2018. There are about 9,000 people in the group. In that group, I have seen numerous posts about nutrition, diets, supplements, etc. I shared the following suggestions there. A number of people found it helpful, so I thought I would post it here, as well. If you’re looking to change your eating habits this year, perhaps you can find something here to help you along.
In the spirit of full disclosure: I am not a nutritionist. I am not a vegan or vegetarian. I will not be on the cover of Men’s Health (They’ve asked, but I refuse to shave my chest.) However, I can still fit into clothes I bought 20 years ago.
1. Last summer, I took two weeks, and without changing any eating habits, I wrote down every single thing I ate or drank. I found a bunch of simple places I could cut things out. I ate fast food that many times? I ate that many mini chocolate bars? If you do the same, I think you will find the same result. Before you take on the whole diet overhaul, look at some of the simple changes you can make.
2. Make a lunch. People talk about not having time to make a lunch, but people don’t consider the amount of time it takes to go out to lunch. People talk about not having things on hand to make a lunch. With a little thought and planning, you can conquer that. I have another suggestion for that in #3.
3. Consider any meal out to be two meals. No one needs a 1/2 pound burger. Order one and immediately cut it in half. Eat half at that meal and take the other half home. If you go to Chipotle, get the bowl and get a lid. Eat half and take the other half home. Make that decision before you even order; it will be easier to stop eating. If you order a pizza, ask them to cut it in wedges. If I eat pizza that way, I will eat one or two pieces. When they cut the pizza into those little squares, Man, I eat those like popcorn and will down the whole pie.
4. Find GOOD people to hold you accountable. The sad truth is not everyone wants you to succeed. That’s about them, not you. There will be the person at the party who says, “It’s just one piece of cake.” The buddy who says, “Come on, just one beer.” Those aren’t the people to tell your goals to; to those people you just say, “Not today.” Find good people. When I take my daughter to ride her horse, we frequently stop at Panda Express. I’ve told her not to let me order a plate (2 entrees and a side), but to get a bowl (1 entree and a side). I love that food, and I won’t stop myself there. I will eat till I am sick. She’s good people.
5. You’re going to screw up. Forgive yourself and move on. I know too many people who swear off something altogether, and then when they have a little of that thing, they feel so guilty, they give up. Don’t give up. Get up. Get after your plan again. Move forward.
Happy New Year!
Peace.
Patrick Day 