Sometimes, the path to changing our way of eating or just our desire to get healthier lies within our own minds. The conversations that we have inside our heads is just as powerful as any addictive chemical we put into our bodies (I’m lookin’ at you sugar and oil!).
For instance, have you ever had that insatiable craving for something to eat? You know you probably shouldn’t have it but OMG, you want it SOOOOO much. Then you try eating something else that’s healthier but it doesn’t satiate you so you try something else. In the end, the voice wins, and then some, because now you’ve eaten way too many calories on top of having the one thing you really wanted, right? Yeah, I’ve been there.
Here’s the thing, what if there was a way to shut down that voice in the first place or at least get it to a whisper instead of yelling at you all the time? Well, there is. Actually, there are a couple of ways to handle that pesky mental roommate.
One thing that you can start with, even before any cravings come out at you from the dark corners of your mind, is consider using the term “I don’t eat that”. Substitute the word “that” with whatever is unhealthy in your diet. For me, it would be “I don’t eat fried chicken”. This is a really important one if you’re raising a family and want them to focus more on healthier foods. Starting your child with this vocabulary when it comes to candy and sodas could have a lasting effect on their choices later in life. I know it sounds like such a simple phrase but it works quite often.
Another thing is to recognize your craving. Is it a need to want to eat an entire pint of ice cream? Come at it the same way you’d talk yourself out of wanting to run over your egomaniacal, cold-hearted and evil boss. Even though the one will probably land you in prison and with a guilty conscience, but the ice cream binge will leave you in a prison of a chain of unhealthy behaviors, their side-effects, and a guilty conscience. Instead of giving in or tormenting yourself, plan out your steps. This could involve just throwing the ice cream down the drain or maybe you can go read an engrossing book, or go for a walk, or go to sleep (many times, cravings are just because we’re sleep deprived and tired). This is where you need to find out how best to serve your health instead of that nagging, addicted voice in your head.
Just remember, the voice in your head doesn’t control you – you control you. Put your foot down with that roommate in your head and just say “We don’t eat that.”
After-Thought: Don’t ever use the words “I can’t eat that” or “I won’t eat that”, those are considered restrictive words and will probably only amplify that part of us that likes to rebel.
Hart Health 