I have fitness articles published monthly in L Magazine
For the past couple of years I’ve had the privilege of being a columnist for L Magazine. I love writing that article every month and I’m very pleased that the good folks down at the Journal Star continue letting me do it.
In case you missed it, here’s my article from the March, 2010 issue…
Everybody Needs Rules!
One bad meal, one bad snack, one bad weekend – even one bad week – doesn’t ruin anything…so never give up.
I want you to keep that last sentence fresh in your mind the next time you find yourself mentally beating yourself up for eating poorly or skipping a workout…one minor set-back doesn’t matter.
Making those mistakes still stings a bit and I’m sure you’d like to stop making those mistakes.
Lucky for you, I’ve got a list of “sneaky tricks” that I fall back on whenever I find myself in a situation where I know I’ll mess up – parties, date night, family gatherings, etc.
If I know there’s a very good chance of my screwing up, I’ll dip into my bag of sneaky tricks and they help me from having the worthless feelings of guilt.
Remember last month we talked about sabotage, well these are more ways to keep you from sabotaging yourself.
1. Eat a fiber-rich snack before a meal or going to a social event, along with a glass of water.
This trick is all about getting something filling in your stomach before your eyes and stomach do the thinking and you gorge on spinach dip.
If you eat something high in fiber before leaving the house, the fiber will fill you up a bit and mute your hunger alarm.
2. Always have a “go to” food when you crave something bad, or for those times when you will turn to food for comfort.
Think he has some diet tips for you?
This has to be a food(s) that is very simple, and healthy, and you will always have in your house.
For me, it’s pineapple and almonds – although not necessarily at the same time.
Those two foods are my crutch whenever I’m stressed and feel like eating something nasty.
More often than not, the craving is gone within a few short minutes of eating those foods.
3. Learn to say NO! Not so much a “trick” as it is a mentality, but it fits.
For some reason we have this mentality that if someone offers us dessert, we have to have it.
You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, so don’t let someone guilt you into eating their junk.
Saying “no” doesn’t mean you’re a jerk, so don’t allow yourself to feel that way. Learn to politely decline and your body will be much happier.
4. Have a couple rules you always stick to.
This one might sound a bit weird, but it does help.
For example, I don’t eat past a certain time. Not because it’s magical, it’s because I understand my behavior and the type of food I normally eat at night. But this is a rule I have and don’t break it. I also have to start my day off with a homemade smoothie. That’s a rule and I stick to it.
What rules can you come up with? It doesn’t have to be something big, just a couple little things you know won’t be a problem, no matter the situation.
If you have anything special you’d like to share with everyone leave a comment below.
Have an awesome day!
Ed
The first thing you need to understand about me is that I believe ALL parents are superheroes...some just have a little too much flabby goo covering their Superhero Body. To learn more about The Fit Dad's story,