For the average American, life revolves around food. On any given day, whether shopping, cooking, or entertaining, food seems to be the focal point. However, when you take your focus OFF food because it has been derailing your weight-loss or causing illness, it’s hard to know what to do with yourself.
How can you be expected to make fried chicken for everyone else and then sit there and eat a salad? Life suddenly seems to have a big empty void.
So how can you make life easier on yourself when you are trying to be healthier around others? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to that question, as you are always going to be presented with situations where food is the center of an event. Just keep in mind that you still have the power to take charge of ANY situation; you just have to be willing to use it!
These are a few of my suggestions:
- Let someone else bring the goodies to a party so you can get out of the way of temptation at home.
- Contribute a healthy dish to your family cook out, so you know there will be something good for you to munch on.
- Instead of meeting a friend for coffee (and a muffin), why not meet at the park and go for a walk?
- Try NEW foods! Healthy eating is not all about salads! Experiment with recipes! You might surprise yourself and others!
Encourage your family to get healthy as well! Why should YOU be the only one making positive changes?
There’s no time like the present. Make healthy choices starting today! Challenge yourself to be your BEST SELF! YOU CAN DO IT! And while you’re at it, be the influence in other people’s lives as well!
Give Yourself A Good Laugh
Life is full of simple pleasures: sunshine, a good book, a motivational quote, or a long chat with a friend. Remember when you were a child and smallest thing could bring you the brightest smile?
Unfortunately, as we get older, life gets more complicated. The little things just don’t do it for us anymore and our happiness becomes about a big house or an expensive car, as opposed to just watching the sunset.
The simple things SHOULD be bringing us happiness, but the more stressed out we get, the less time we spend just enjoying life and savoring the precious moments. If this makes you want to be a kid again, raise your hand!!
Since we cannot magically morph into little rug rats, let’s reflect upon what IS making us happy these days. Does an expensive new watch or pair of shoes bring you happiness or are you placing value in time with family and friends or how healthy you are? Instead of trying to “have it all,” what if we tried to feel content and relish in the moments that don’t cost you a dime. Appreciate your life for what it is!!
For the whole week, I want you to take pleasure in the simple moments. Bake some fresh bread, take a walk in the park and notice the changing colors of the leaves, pick some flowers for a friend, or read a story to a child. Even though these things don’t cost money, living for the simple pleasures will bring you much more joy, peace, and happiness!