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We're all in this together. We want to be healthier: lose weight, lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and control our blood sugar level. We don't want to have a heart attack, a stroke, cancer, or diabetes. We want to live longer. Live better. So, why is it that whenever try to make changes in our eating or activity behavior, we end up face first in a huge hot fudge sundae and surfing channels on the sofa---right back where we started from?
Behavior changes are tough. Think about how long you've been letting yourself loose; not caring how many chips you chow down or hours you sit. Every time you do something, that action engraves itself into your head. It becomes normal and natural to grab the chips and lay on the sofa. We don't even think about it. We own that behavior. When you set off in a new direction, it's much harder. You have to think. You have to consciously make decisions, especially if there is a environment that encourages eating and couch potato-ing!
The best approach is not to think too far ahead. Take one step at a time. For example, you might decide to eat 6 fruits and vegetables and go for a walk today. Don't worry about whether or not you'll be able to do it tomorrow, on the weekend, or when you go on vacation. Don't over think. Just focus on doing it today. When tomorrow comes, do it again. Every time you take this new path, it becomes more familiar to you and easier to do.
If you don't wash your hair one day, you don't just yank it out and wait for it to regrow and give you a fresh start. You simply wash it the next day. And so it is with healthy behaviors...
Wash, Rinse, Repeat!!
The best approach is not to think too far ahead. Take one step at a time. For example, you might decide to eat 6 fruits and vegetables and go for a walk today. Don't worry about whether or not you'll be able to do it tomorrow, on the weekend, or when you go on vacation. Don't over think. Just focus on doing it today. When tomorrow comes, do it again. Every time you take this new path, it becomes more familiar to you and easier to do.
If you don't wash your hair one day, you don't just yank it out and wait for it to regrow and give you a fresh start. You simply wash it the next day. And so it is with healthy behaviors...
Wash, Rinse, Repeat!!
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