Have you ever noticed how “diets” are a roller coaster? Your up and then down, then your okay, and then back up and down. You get my point right? Why is it, the minute we say “oh I can’t have that because……”, we start craving whatever the item is even more?
I’m not a psychologist or a medical doctor but I assume this happens for many reasons. I’m sure our body get’s use’s to something and then looks for it. 60% of the human body is made up of water. Amazing really. Now most of us don’t drink water because it lacks “flavor” or “fizz”. We find it tasteless. Yet on a really hot day, or after a work out, most people will grab water first and then chase it with another beverage. Why? Because the body is craving it.
I wonder if that’s true of foods. We all have our favorites. Maybe we like the smell, the texture or the taste, maybe even the color makes us smile. So when we see it, or smell we get excited and want it. In fact we can almost taste it! So now were thinking, “but it’s too many points, or I’m on a diet, so I can’t have it”. So now we want it even more.
I think I’m on the right track here. So I say why not just have it. Portion control and exercise are always the key. As long as we read the label on the food and follow the guide lines for portion control, we have half the battle beaten. If we stop thinking that lifting the remote control is movement and actually get up and move…now were working on the exercise part.
I can’t recall if it was a talk show or a magazine article that suggested some tips on keeping your body moving, thus burning some calories. Okay not like the work out in the gym or anything, but it’s something. Anyway it was suggested that during the commercials of your favorite T.V. show, get up and jog in place until all the commercials are over. Then do it again when the show breaks again, or do jumping jacks. Something is better than nothing. The walk to the kitchen or snack cabinet wont count. Get your heart moving. Once you start that, you may think about going for an early morning walk, or a late evening stroll. You might even get excited about going to the gym.
It’s all about tricking the brain. At least in my opinion. So when your craving something eat it, but be mindful of how much. Drink, but think about how much and keep moving. Baby steps is what it takes. When you fall off, just get back on. Tell yourself it’s okay and move on.
Life is much like weight loss, so hang on for the ride. Even the best of us go up and down with weight, it’s just a matter of how much and what you do about it later.