Why do we make a decision to change our eating behaviors or “resolution” every January 1st? What is the definition of a resolution? One is making a decision to change the way we act. Another is to have firmness of purposes in doing an act. Finally, it can be a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem. So why does it change every year?? Why can it be consistent? They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. We are not insane!!! When we cannot make definitive decisions, it is a form of self-doubt and self-abuse. No one should ever be verbally, physically, or emotionally abused; not even from by ourselves. All we have to do is follow 5 simple things every day and we will get “predictable” results.
1. Plan our day around our meals, not our meals around our days. Proper planning prevents poor performance. I call it the “5 “p” Principle”. It is creating a road map for success for the right foods to go to the right place. Food starts with a “thought”, not with an “F”! We a have to look at the food, smell the food before it goes into the “pie hole”! Use the word , PAUSE:
P-Plan
A-Arrange
U-Urgent
S-Systems
E-Excellence
2. Protein at all meals, even snacks! Be aware, everything we eat turns to sugar. Of all the macronutrients, protein is converted to sugar as energy slower than carbs, therefore providing satiation and consistent energy throughout the day.
3. Eat at the same times of the day, approximately every 3-3 ½ hours. As mentioned, since everything turns to blood sugar, most people eat at the response of hunger. Once we establish consistent times of meal consumption, we are not eating at the response of hunger. We then we have consistent blood sugar levels and regulation of metabolism.
4. Portion Control is essential. More food turns to more sugar and therefore, if not used as energy, it is stored as fat. It takes more heat (calories) to burn fat than the other macronutrients. It goes back to the simple science of “calories in vs calories out.”
5. Repeat 1-4 daily for the rest of your life! As my coach tells me, “rinse and repeat!”
When you follow these 5 simple solutions, it eliminates the reason to ever have to make another New Year’s resolution again. There are no “try”; it is either do or don’t! Make decisions and move forward without self-doubt.
