Have you ever said, “I need to quit! I know I should not eat that!”? Do you feel like you are constantly battling the things you should NOT do? I want to share with you a new perspective. Instead of thinking about what you can’t eat, think about what you can eat and quit trying to quit bad foods. Many times if we focus on what we need to add to our life, it eventually takes the place of what we want to quit.
EVERY DAY LIFE
Let me share how to put this concept into everyday life. There was once a time in my life I was faced with a personal situation that caused me worry and grief. I continued to dwell on it instead of giving it to the Lord, which solved nothing. I wanted to give that worry up and quit thinking about it, but it continued to be a struggle that led to nothing but self pity.
I realized I had to turn this temptation into something for good and bring glory to God. I loved sending cards to friends who I knew needed a word of encouragement, but of course never really took the time. I decided the time I used for worry and self pity could be used more wisely. So it became a trigger for me…self-pity and worry equaled sending a card. By placing my focus on others, the self pity was alleviated a lot quicker than just trying to quit on my own. I focused on what to add in my life instead of what I wanted to quit.
Quit trying to Quit Bad Foods
You can use this same concept in your diet. Instead of trying to use will power or self control to cut out “bad foods,” think about adding more of the “good foods” such as 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, or 25 grams of fiber. By concentrating on what foods you need, you have less time to think about those you are trying to avoid—the foods that are a “sometimes” food.
Is there something that has become a habit for you that you know is not the most healthy? Quit trying to quit! Put into practice a healthy behavior that could take its place, even if it is one thing.
What to Put in Place
Last week, I talked about “good carbs” vs. “bad carbs.” Most of us love those carbs. This week, think about ADDING “good carbs” into your diet instead of thinking so much about cutting out the “bad.” Here are a few ideas:
- Aim to eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables which can give you 10 or more grams of fiber, depending on your choices.
- Include some beans and bean products in your diet. A half-cup of cooked beans will add from 4 to 8 grams of fiber to your day.
- Switch to whole grains every single possible way (buns, rolls, bread, tortillas, pasta, crackers, etc).
Remember when you want to add something new, don’t get over ambitious. Think about one thing at a time and break it down in small increments.
Quit trying to quit bad foods.
Instead, focus on trying new things.
To your health,
Crystal
