Log: Day 30
What if getting healthy had very little to do with obsessing over what I eat or worrying about how much I exercise? What if I could make weight loss and health automatic? According to Dr. Mark Hyman, you can design a life where health and weight loss are an automatic side effect of your environment.
The idea here is that changing your behavior is easier if you set up cues around you so the less you think about it, the easier it is. If all you have in the house to eat are chips, then you’ll eat chips. When I was stressed or was just too tired to think about cooking, I often ate badly … and not just a cookie or two, but often the whole bag. Knowing you shouldn’t, doesn’t necessarily stop you!
Yesterday I declared that I would stay on the plan – no matter what. Then I proceeded to eat the wrong breakfast and go out for lunch. Not that I jumped off the diet, I didn’t. But still … a slight curve off the menu. Anyway, I read a study about changing the “structural design” of my life to create healthier behaviors, automatically. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Restructuring rather than enforcing – it’s an interesting idea. I know that changing bad habits occurs by intent, not by accident. You can’t wish yourself skinny (boy, do I wish that worked!). “Diet by Design” is a movement born of changing behavior through motivation, ability, and triggers. For example if you want to eat a protein shake for breakfast (that’s motivation), have the ingredients in your fridge/cupboard (ability), and put a note on the fridge with the recipe and “EAT THIS FOR BREAKFAST” (trigger).
So what are my strategies for a healthy life design? Reading over the list, I’ve been thinking about this, and how I might do a better job. Things like keeping the kitchen organized for meal preparation, or keeping healthy recipes in an easy-to-access location. One I want to improve on is keeping the pantry organized and having healthy snacks ready to grab and go. Another is planting healthy snacks in my car. One I laughed at was Avoid the danger zones: Don’t drive past your favorite fast-food or bakery. Don’t say yes to meals out at places where you can’t order healthy. The funny news about this is that I have specific paths through Denver, so it doesn’t really matter what I drive past, I’m just trying to get where I’m going!! And the eating out part – no worries there – I can always order a salad with protein!
Sometimes I think these online medical folks are just looking for something to write about. Isn’t everything about a diet the motivation to do it, the supplies to make it work, and the plan to implement? Maybe the important point is to protect my health bubble. Staying on track with the diet. Getting adequate rest. Avoiding the times when I feel pressured to eat or drink against my health goals. Continuing to exercise whenever possible. And keeping my spirit nurtured by friends and family!