March 29, 2024

Quit Trying to Quit Bad Foods

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

One Step to a Consistent Healthy Lifestyle

We have been talking about starting an exercise program. However getting started with any new way of eating or exercise program is not the hard part.  It’s consistency, which is evident since 60% of Americans drop out of a program within the first six months.  So how do you stick to it with so many distractions in a busy world? One step to a Consistent Healthy Lifestyle is to create a healthy vision for yourself.

Follow me for one minute.

Think about something in your life that you really wanted and worked hard to get.  It may have been a college degree, savings for a home, promotion in a job, or respectful children.  Did those things just happen?  I would guess not.  You had a vision of what you wanted.  And, because it was very clear, you took the appropriate steps to make it happen.

Why do we think being fit physically, mentally, and spiritually will just happen?

It doesn’t.  We must have a vision of what we want for health.  A personal vision will allow us to:

  • Stop trying to do what everyone else does
  • Know the specific and realistic actions to take
  • Give assurance and peace that the right steps for a healthy diet and exercise are being done

I love the Bible story in Nehemiah 6.

Nehemiah had a vision to build the wall of Jerusalem and nothing would stop him.  He was clear on what needed to be done.  He was not chasing the latest trend or trying to do whatever one else was doing.  He had a vision and nothing could stop him as he clearly states in verse 3.

“I am carrying on a great project and cannot come down.”

 

My Personal Healthy Vision

When I think of myself at my best physically, mentally, and spiritually, this is what I see:

  • I am looking and feeling healthy
  • exercising 4-5 times a week
  • spending daily quiet time with God and my family

To fulfill that vision, which is an ongoing process not a check off, I know there are certain steps I need to take each day. I need to say “no” to certain things and let go of unrealistic expectations.  Having that vision helps me be consistent because:

  • I am motivated to have it which makes it a priority.
  • I want to look and feel healthy, not perfect. Comparing myself to others would only leave me feeling like a failure and giving up.
  • Allows me to realize that I cannot attempt unrealistic exercise regimens at THIS time in my life because it may interfere with family time. I choose exercise programs that work for my family.
  • Reminds me that I have to spend time with God and He will show me the right path to take.

You can be consistent

You can consistently exercise and follow a healthy diet no matter how busy you are at this time of your life. It starts by having a healthy vision of what you want for your life.  Once you have that vision, you can have a clear design with the steps to take in a consistent exercise program and a healthy diet.

To Your Health,

Coach Crystal

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