What's it for anyway....What am I going to do about it

Food! Food is to fuel our bodies.  That is it's main purpose.  But, I don't know of many that think of it that way. It's more of a social, so yummy, I'm bored, I'm hungry but want to grab something fast....sorta thing.  Am I Right??

So, what if we only think of it as our Fuel.  What would happen?? This year I'm going to do my best to think of food as fuel and nothing else.  If I'm eating something I'll just think, "Is this to fuel my body?" "Is it good fuel that my body can use?" If I'm eating it for others reasons, then what are those reasons?? Am I bored? Does it just look so yummy (but how does it make me feel afterward)?? Is it because it's a fun family party and that's what we do for fun??

I HAVE TO FIX THE "OTHER" REASONS!! I'm sure most of us do!! 

~Replace the reason for your not good eating with a new habit~

Situation~  I'm Bored: I don't often have just nothing to do, it's just that I don't want to do what I need to be doing at that time...haha.  But, if I want to eat because I'm bored I will.... clean something (something can always be cleaned or de-cluttered, or do 1 scrapbook page (I'm so behind on my kids' scrapbooks).  So, if I replace a bad habit of eating just because I'm bored, with a good habit like my examples...hmmm, I might get a lot done. :)

Situation~ It just looks so yummy! Now I'm not going to completely deprive myself, but I do go over bored sometimes with the treats. It's mostly because it looks so dang good and I LOVE TREATS! :) But, you know most of the time I feel awful and yucky afterwards.  Not always, but most of the time.  I will have a FREE day once a week.  But, I'm not going to go crazy.  It just means it's okay if I have a little treat or not completely think about what I'm eating that day. But, I will not make myself sick with food.  If I am craving a treat or bad food any other day I'm going to do my best to have good, "fueling snacks" handy at all times.  I will drink a glass of water and wait 10 minutes.  See if the craving is gone.  Not gone? I will do 15 squats.  Hopefully gone!! I WILL NOT EAT THAT BAD BAD FOOD until I do this!! How can I make that yummy snack healthier?? We will see if it works :) I'll let you know.

Situation~ Family Functions- when eating with friends or family it's not always the healthiest.  But, it's not always horrible.  Its just that the whole social aspect of it makes it fun to eat...& Eat..& EAT!  So, what's the strategy?  Well, maybe I'll crunch on 10 baby carrots before we go or something like that.  Drink a full glass of water before we start eating.  I will not go back for seconds {the hardest}  I will have smaller portions. 

Alright...that's my strategy!! I really am excited for a New Year and I'm looking forward to even better health and fitness!! I will reach my goals! I will! I am determined too!

Are you looking forward to a Healthy 2012?

What's your goals? Strategies to get you there?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

~Ang