Changing Eating Habits

It’s January!

Have you already whispered quietly to yourself, “This year will be different; I will keep my New Year’s Resolutions and achieve my goals?”

Before you answer … let me share something interesting with you.

Doug Vermeeren (www.douglasvermeeren.com) writes about resolutions. He teaches us that, “The Traditional goal-setting formula most people follow was developed in the early 1900s in manufacturing to enable company executives to monitor the number of units coming out of a factory by a certain date. It’s a great measuring stick if you’re manufacturing products, but if you are trying to improve yourself or achieve something non-tangible, it’s a woefully ineffective and out-of-date process. For example, if your goal is to have a better relationship with your spouse, the traditional goal-setting formula simply won’t work.”

After reading this article, it’s no wonder so many of us become discouraged when our plans to change a behavior(s) does not work out.

What can we do differently?

For starters, we can accept the truth that changing a habit takes practice.

Here are some of my secrets for changing a tough habit:
1. Focus on the new habit one day at a time. Example: Only for today you will eat a healthy breakfast. If you go back to your old habit of just grabbing a cup of coffee, Stop! Acknowledge what you have done and prepare a bowl of cereal for yourself.
2. Seek support from a friend, family member or a professional. Together you can accomplish more with a team effort than alone. Celebrate after you have taken that small step.
3. Be kind to yourself if you slip. As my mother used to say, “Rome was not built in a day.” It takes time to change our habits.
4. Practice, practice and practice some more.

In a nut shell: Be kind to yourself. Acknowledge your small steps of accomplishment.

Action Step: Now it’s your turn!

What habits have you changed in the past? Do you have a tip that works well for you? Share it with everyone in the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community by leaving a comment on the blog.

If you are struggling with food and have questions please leave a comment on the Love Yourself – It Matters Blog and I will address them in my next article.

Helen