The Magic Pill

I absolutely detest the word diet. You see it all the time..tv, magazines, friends, etc. Diets are all the rage but what good do they really do?  Are any diets a long term change? Do they really change one's habits?  Generally one jumps on whatever fad diet is going on, has success for a short time and then falls back into the same old habits. How frustrating is that? Habits are really tough to break.

Have you ever noticed that when you finally decide to spend the time to change a negative habit, it actually is easier than all of the "magic pills" we try? But what does it take to get to the point of willingness to make those changes? It is different for all of us. I know that for me it got to the point that the pain of change was easier than the pain of staying the same. Sometimes we have to become fed up and just done. When we hit that point, what should we do then? If we jump on the fad diet and work hard for a period of time, we might get results but what has changed?

I had the privilege yesterday of joining a friend in the home of one of her athletes. We were doing a pantry makeover. It was such an honor to be a part of this very major change in this woman's life . . as well as her family's! We had the opportunity to pull things out and talk with her about why they are not the best choices. We could also point out the great things she had and made those up front and center. We talked about ideas for healthy meals, how to incorporate items she had and what items we suggest she add.

Weight and food are very emotional issues for many of us. I will be the first to admit how upset and frustrated I get when I let myself slack and I gain extra weight. This has always been an issue for me. From comments stupid fraternity boys made in college to my own critical self. We have messages in our heads and have to get rid of them. It is HARD! I have such empathy for those struggling. The gal we spent time with yesterday was tearing up talking about it. It makes my heart hurt when I know people are that raw with their struggle...mostly because I completely understand.

In the midst of frustration we look for the magic pill. I have a secret, I know what the magic pill is!! You want to know? Guess what . . .it is eating the right foods in the right amounts and cutting out all the processed junk. Of course exercise is part of that magic pill. The magic pill is not a shake diet . .. I know, many of you are going to be mad at me for saying this but it isn't. When one does this they can get results but what happens after the period of time. Are you going to drink shakes for the rest of your life? I know, for some it is a jump start. Why not jump start with a plan in place that actually teaches better habits for your lifetime? By committing to the fad diet, you were intentional. My challenge is to be intentional in habits that will last a lifetime.

One thing I have witnessed lately is how this all affects my kids. What are the messages we are sending to them, unintentionally, by the way we eat and behave around our weight. They are watching our every move ...both the boys and the girls. What message to you want to give them? We talk about our nutritional plan in the house. As soon as somebody talks about mom's "diet", I stop things right there. I am not on a diet. I have a nutritional plan I am following that will keep me healthy. And slowly my family is joining my plan. Many of you have seen my facebook pictures lately with the meals we have been cooking. My kids like some and don't like some. There are some tweaks I can do for the kids. They were prefer rice vs cauliflower rice and that is ok! I can make them both and the rice is just fine for them. Back to my point . . the kids are picking everything up. They ask me about balance in their diet, they refuse to go to McDonalds and they are willing to try most things. So, if not for you, isn't it work making lifestyle changes for your kids? We have a generation raised in a time where obesity and sedentary rates are skyrocketing. How are our habits contributing to our kids generation changing this or being one of the statistics?

Can you tell I feel strongly about this? I definitely don't want to be preachy. What I want is for us all to consider. Let's consider what we are doing to ourselves and our future generation. The phrase in my house since my kids could talk is good choice and bad choices . .. is what you are doing to yourself a good choice? I do not claim in any way to be perfect with this. I have my cheat meals, I love a glass (or 2) of wine, sweets are my downfall. But, my goal is to have a plan and work my plan. Do you just need a plan? I am working with a couple of people on this and results are happening! I am so excited for them!

I hope you take a moment to consider your magic pill. I did not even get into the rest of the great things that happen when we make good choices in our eating . . .more energy, better skin, general sense of feeling better, etc! You may think I am totally crazy and that is ok. For those who want to move forward and make some healthy choices, I would love to hear from you! Let me know how I can help you on your Journey to Wellness! Happy Thursday!