It take 60 days to change a habit, so start now and half way through you will be making healthier "habits" Here are some tips:
1. Be aware. Start to figure out your triggers. What is it that kicks your habit into motion? Do you see or hear particular things around you? Is it a person that brings out the bad behavior?
- Some of my "over-eating" triggers are smells. I can go into a restaurant with the intentions of getting a salad, but if I smell bread or pasta in anyway I forget everything and lean towards something carb filled.
-My kids can also be a trigger. Sometimes it is just easier to give into the mac n cheese, since it is simple to make, than to cut up some fruit and make a chicken breast. Kids have to learn as much as we do to start good habits.
2. Remove the trigger. Whatever triggers are bringing your habit to mind, keep them out of sight.
- OK so you can't keep your kids out of site...however, you can keep the mac n cheese out of site, just don't buy it! One thing we have been doing at our house is buying lots of fruits and vegetables. Snacks become an apple or an orange instead of some chips. If you simply do not buy the triggers, then it is much easier to avoid temptation.
3. If you can't erase it, counter it. Let's say you drive past a row of fast food restaurants on your way home from work. There is no other route. Every time you see them, you get the impulse to eat. Often, your willpower fails you.
-For me this is hard when I am so busy after work that it is easier to hit a drive through before the kids evening activities. So instead, if you know you have something after work, or a long drive home, bring a healthy snack to have in the car. Granola bars, trail mix, whatever. If you have to hit the drive through then make a healthy choice.