"What do I want to eat?" The goal is set, the desired results are identified and you have told your household about what you are trying to accomplish. Something like, "I don't want to gain 15 pounds this holiday season, so I am going to really think about what I eat in order to avoid the gain." The more specific you are, the more likely you will experience results. "I'm not going to eat so much," is not specific at all while "I intend to drink a glass of water each and every time I go to eat something good, bad or otherwise; I intend to eat foods that nourish my body, not feed my cravings; I intend to treat my body with respect and consideration, for I wish to be present and energized," is on the right track. Again, writing it down will help you stay intentional.
What's next? Step 3. No denials. You can eat anything you want! Chocolate, fried chicken, bacon, whipped cream, steamed broccoli, beef brisket, roast duck and cranberry jelly are all allowed! Denying yourself what you love and what is available only creates a sense of panic and a feeling of deprivation; we all know what happens then. So instead of denying yourself your favorite treats and indulgences, change your dialogue. "I can't have that," might turn into, "I don't want that right now because I know how I will feel after I eat it." Or, you may talk in terms of balance. A little meat, a little fat, a lot of veg, plenty of water, a touch of sweet, a little salt and a happy tummy.
Speaking of tummies, yours empty is about the size of your fist. The buffet plate is not. The last step in this simple experiment of identifying what you want to eat is being mindful of how much you are eating. Mindfulness comes in many forms: drinking water before a meal so your body has fluids to digest with; sitting down and still while you eat; chewing your food before you swallow it; being mindful of portion sizes and balance; listening to your body. Mindfulness isn't, "I'll walk it off later," for we never really walk it off later.
The experiment simplified:
- State your intentions!
- Write down, "What do I want to eat?"
- Pour a glass of water and drink it while you answer, "Why do I want to eat it?"
- Do not deny yourself a food, just decide if it is worth the results before you commit.
- Be mindful of how much, how often and how fast you eat. Your body will tell you what to put on the fork and when to put down the fork if you allow yourself time to listen.
If nothing else, eat real food, drink plenty of water, give your vitamins their vitamins and remember to wash your hands.
Health might actually be just that simple!
