Do you eat when you are hungry and stop when you are full? I wonder if we would struggle with our weight if we just ate when we started to feel hungry…not “hangry” but slightly hungry and stopped eating when we are comfortably full…not ready to explode! Many clients seem to eat because of external cues versus internal cues as time of day, location or event. You don’t have to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner plus two snacks a day do you? I think you should eat when you are hungry… but it isn’t that simple for most people is it? We have our routine, habits and traditions.
When I am training on their exercise program I continue to hear weekly the negative comments about their eating habits or “cheats’. I hear the were doing great until… or the weekend they have a party or a wine tasting event so they are off the clean eating program. I love the quote I heard from someone on a podcast… “you either are pregnant or you are not pregnant” regarding nutrition habits. You are off gluten and grains or you are not.
If you really want to lose weight we need to first create change in our eating habits, mindfulness and relationship to food. Do you get home at night from a day of work and need a glass of wine to unwind? Do you really think the wine or cocktail relaxes you? Perhaps it is just a habit and an evening ritual as having popcorn every time we go to a movie.
I find that these are habits that are breakable if one wishes to create new lifestyle habits. Clients are always trying to lose weight but as I have discussed in other blogs and on my podcast…we can’t lose weight by just exercising everyday. We need to change our relationship with food and create new healthy rituals. Why not go for a walk when you get home around the neighborhood with your partner or spouse to discuss the day and release stress? Why not eat before you go to a movie and be comfortably full so you don’t cave into the movie popcorn that talks to you right when you enter the theater building!
If you want to lose weight and stop dieting start with cleaning out your fridge and pantry. Next restock with fresh real food then set daily and weekly goals for yourself on your “areas of opportunity”. Your next step is to share your goals with your coach but also your family, friends and co-workers.
This is what I do with my coaching clients in my “Fitness Forward 21 Day Sugar Detox Challenge” and why I encourage people to create a team of 3-5 people with similar goals. The more you create a supportive environment you will set yourself up for success to reach your goals, create new habits and transform you body…as well as your mind.
Work from the inside out if you want to lose weight, get healthy and perform your best each day in life and in your sports you may compete in each season. Join my challenge and learn the eight secrets to fat loss!
Sign up for our next September Sugar Detox Challenge with your team of 3-5 people and begin transforming your body, mind and life. www.fitnessforwardstudio.com/fuel for information and contact links.
Your Coach,
Debbie Potts
CHEK HLC
Superhuman Coach,
USAT Coach
NASM CPT
Metabolic Efficiency Specialist
