Turning off your Cruise Control
Many of us put off things that will make us happier and healthier. We sacrifice our time and our energies for many other things, meanwhile suffering fatigue, poor energy, weight gain and worst of all, poor self-esteem. Why we do this to ourselves is a mystery. It's self-inflicted. We want to feel better about our weight, nutrition and fitness, but avoid doing anything about it. It's almost like we prefer to stay discouraged because it's gotten "comfortable.”
Can you change? Will you change? What will make you change? Most often we procrastinate doing certain things out of fear of failing, or possibly a subtle fear of feeling deprived. I often wonder how I can help people move toward sustained portion control and help them avoid unnecessary snacking. I know that if they do this on a daily basis, their weight will come down and they will feel better about themselves. I hear so often, "I know what I should do, but I just don't do it.” I know I can't force people to change, even if I know what they need to do.
So what can you do? You say you aren't ‘motivated' to change. Yet under the surface I know you want to change. You will not wake up tomorrow morning ‘totally motivated'. It just doesn't happen that way. If you want to start to change, you need to plan your day. You must plan what you will eat for breakfast, what you are going to eat for lunch, and what you are going to eat for supper. Then follow through on that promise you made for yourself. Make no excuses, just do it; in doing so you will start your journey forward. You will begin taking steps toward your final healthy destination. Never think about how long it will take. Don't think about ‘how hard it will be'. Simply think day by day, one day at a time. You will start to feel better about yourself and feel more in control. Eliminate any thoughts of: "I can't,” "It's too hard,” or, "I've never succeeded in the past.” Replace them with: "I'll just keep trying” and, "I'm going to do my best.”
A lot of us are simply in a tug of war between our ‘old self' and the person we want to become. Our old behaviours are comfortable and easy. Going to a party is much more fun than preparing for that upcoming exam or board meeting, isn't it? Snacking at night is temporarily comforting, but the result is weighing more and feeling poorly. So, if you eat a healthy dinner tonight and limit yourself to one small, healthy snack, you will feel better and your journey towards a healthier you will begin.
Exercise is the same. Sitting and watching T.V. or spending time on the computer is easy. But going for a walk, getting on the treadmill or elliptical machine makes us feel much more energetic. Sleep will be easier, stress will be less. So don't just sit...move. This is your health. You have only one body and the parts aren't easily replaced. Good nutritious eating and regular movement are the best (and easiest) ways to a long and vibrant life. Don't drift through life. Make these important daily plans for proper food and regular exercise.
I know that this all sounds easy, but it isn't. Believe me, I realize this. Occurrences in our lives and our inner emotions put a brake on our actions. So, realize it isn't going to be easy, but doing nothing is absolutely not an option. Plan your food for one day; plan a short exercise session for one day; plan on being positive for one day. When that day is over, get up the next morning, focus on what you accomplished the day before, and do the same thing all over again. You will be surprised how quickly healthy habits begin to occur.
Just don't give up on yourself. Keep on trying. You can do it; I know you can.
Dr. Doug