For many people, food is simply a threat to their healthy-eating plan, a detour on the path to a slimmer, healthier life. A morning office meeting, for instance, isn't just business--it's a test of wills: You versus the jelly doughnuts and bagels. A casual movie night with friends may seem more like a battle with a bucketful of buttery popcorn than a friendly get-together. And on the flip side, a day spent focusing your energy diligently on avoiding dessert at all costs might seem like the ultimate victory. But to achieve true success, you have to develop a healthy relationship with food. After all, food is nourishment: When you eat the right stuff, it can give you energy and offer protection against a variety of diseases. So, how can you make your relationship with food a more positive one? Use these tips below, and soon, you'll be looking forward to movie nights, get-togethers and yes, even business meetings.
Make the most of an imperfect situation. No matter how dire a situation looks in terms of healthful food choices, it's important to remember that you always have say over at least one aspect of your food: The amount you eat. If you find yourself in a situation where there aren't many--or any--healthy choices, you can at least control your portion size. That means that although you might not end up packing a ton of vitamins and minerals or fiber into your meal, you won't leave the table having gone overboard on calories.
Look at the big picture. Your diet is made up of more than just a single meal. In fact, all the foods you choose for meals and snacks add up to provide you with the nutrients and energy you need each day. When it comes to your overall diet, the majority of your food should provide you with nutrients (like calcium or fiber), but you can still factor in a small treat without going over your daily calorie limit. Just look at the Anything Goes treats on your online meal plans; these are small portions of a treat that allow you to really enjoy something special while continuing to move toward your health and weight goals.
Avoid all-or-nothing thinking. When trying to lose weight, it can feel like you must devote every aspect of your life to healthy eating or you'll never reach your goal. While it's important to be dedicated and keep your goals in mind, a healthy diet should fit into your lifestyle-not control it. Most situations have more options than just "good" and "bad." For instance, if you are at a birthday party, fill up on veggies and sip water and then have a small sliver of birthday cake. Or, stick a couple pieces of dark chocolate in your purse before a movie so you can have a portion-controlled treat during the show.
Share the wealth--if it's welcomed! There's no doubt that having friends and family who follow the same healthy lifestyle habits that you're working on makes it a lot easier to stay on track. But, sometimes the people closest to you won't share your passion for healthy eating. When it's your turn to cook dinner, or you're creating a dish for a potluck, take it as an opportunity to share a healthful dish with those around you. Just remind yourself that not everyone wants to (or is ready to) eat healthfully, and be respectful of these differences in eating preferences.
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Make the most of an imperfect situation. No matter how dire a situation looks in terms of healthful food choices, it's important to remember that you always have say over at least one aspect of your food: The amount you eat. If you find yourself in a situation where there aren't many--or any--healthy choices, you can at least control your portion size. That means that although you might not end up packing a ton of vitamins and minerals or fiber into your meal, you won't leave the table having gone overboard on calories.
Look at the big picture. Your diet is made up of more than just a single meal. In fact, all the foods you choose for meals and snacks add up to provide you with the nutrients and energy you need each day. When it comes to your overall diet, the majority of your food should provide you with nutrients (like calcium or fiber), but you can still factor in a small treat without going over your daily calorie limit. Just look at the Anything Goes treats on your online meal plans; these are small portions of a treat that allow you to really enjoy something special while continuing to move toward your health and weight goals.
Avoid all-or-nothing thinking. When trying to lose weight, it can feel like you must devote every aspect of your life to healthy eating or you'll never reach your goal. While it's important to be dedicated and keep your goals in mind, a healthy diet should fit into your lifestyle-not control it. Most situations have more options than just "good" and "bad." For instance, if you are at a birthday party, fill up on veggies and sip water and then have a small sliver of birthday cake. Or, stick a couple pieces of dark chocolate in your purse before a movie so you can have a portion-controlled treat during the show.
Share the wealth--if it's welcomed! There's no doubt that having friends and family who follow the same healthy lifestyle habits that you're working on makes it a lot easier to stay on track. But, sometimes the people closest to you won't share your passion for healthy eating. When it's your turn to cook dinner, or you're creating a dish for a potluck, take it as an opportunity to share a healthful dish with those around you. Just remind yourself that not everyone wants to (or is ready to) eat healthfully, and be respectful of these differences in eating preferences.
http://thebestlife.com