4. “I don’t want to give up my favorite foods.” –

I think a lot about food. More than what’s considered normal, I’m sure. Rumor has it that some lucky souls eat when they’re hungry and stop when they’re full. Simple right? So what about the rest of us, who lack the fundamental instinct of full/hungry, stop/go, want/need? I got high as a kite on a dark chocolate protein bar today…twice. This experience reinforced the point for me, that food provides a feeling beyond satisfying just the hunger in my belly. It’s this particular desire that drives many people to overeat. Portion control can be learned and will become second nature after retraining your body and mind. It happened to me. True story.

Junk food is tasty, but it isn’t the fuel your body needs. It will actually make you feel worse. That being said, treats are still on my menu once a week for my free day reward. If I enjoy them in moderation, I’m ok. More often than not though, I overindulge and pay the price by feeling ill. I’ve been better at not overdoing it lately. The first 3 bites of something taste the best, so just getting a sample of a treat should be good enough. You really don’t have to eat the whole thing. ;)

I like healthy food now. It’s what my body craves and what keeps me feeling good. There are so many low-fat substitutions and great recipes to make your usual favorite meals health conscious, without sacrificing taste. I make a mean whole wheat, low-fat lasagna for example, and my family likes it just as much as the evil version. Shhh, don’t tell them it’s healthy. That will be our little secret.