I’m guilty! You probably are, too! Guilty of what, you ask? Eating foods you know good and well you need to leave alone. After the last time I did it, I realized that I just can’t do it any more. I didn’t jot anything down at the time, but I later realized that I’d created a system that any one can follow. I’m calling it five steps to stop eating foods that your mouth loves but your body hates.
I think it’s pretty safe to say that everyone has some type of food that they should avoid for a variety of reasons. I’m not really referring to food allergies here, though. For those us with food allergies, we know what consuming something we’re allergic to can do. Typically, we avoid those foods at all costs…unless the reaction is minor.
I’m talking about people who have developed intolerances to food that they used to be able to eat with no problem. Or someone who has hypertension, so they really need to avoid foods that will elevate their blood pressure. There could be someone with indigestion, acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome who needs to be careful.
I could keep going, but I’m sure you get the point. There are people from all walks of life who have grown quite comfortable eating foods that they shouldn’t, and they suffer the consequences. We see them, and we know them. We might even be them.
There’s that one guy who can’t resist getting a Rocky Road Milkshake when he’s knows it’s going to tear up his stomach.
How about the girl who loves the sweet, spicy and savory song that Jamaican Jerk Chicken plays on her tongue, knowing that her chest will feel like it’s on fire soon after she’s done?
Or me if I decided to raid that candy stash at work before deciding that I’d rather be able to move freely than eat that much sugar.
When I talked about how to kick your sugar habit last week, I didn’t realize that I’d followed specific steps that can work for anyone who needs to release a certain food for the betterment of their body. I’ll list them in order before breaking them down.
Five Steps to Stop Eating Foods that Your Mouth Loves but Your Body Hates
- Choose an Accountability Measure
- Pause and Think
- Consider the Outcome
- Find an Alternative
- Broadcast Your Success
1. Choose an Accountability Measure
If you know that you’re going to struggle, you need to start by finding someone or something that will hold you accountable.
Choose a person. Make a chart. Do something that will keep you motivated.
It doesn’t have to be major, but make it something that will keep you on track.
2. Pause and Think
I think this is where most of us mess up…at least that’s the case for me. Sometimes we grab for things because they’re right there. Or we’re bored. We might even be a bit stressed. But it’s really important to stop, think, and maybe have a conversation with yourself…literally…like talk to yourself out loud even if others can hear you.
Things to ask yourself: Is this the right time for me to be eating this? Do I even really want this? Why do I feel like I have to have this right now. Maybe there’s something else I can do instead of eat this. I’m going to leave this here for now; if it’s still here when I get back, maybe I’ll get it?
It’s highly likely that after you’ve had an indepth conversation with yourself about all that, you won’t even want the thing anymore. If you’re still thinking about it, move to the next step.
3. Consider the Outcome
Really think about how you’re going to feel if you do this. Will it set you back? Will you need to take time off work or have to spend time alone when your family is having fun because of that you’re about to eat. Is it even worth it?
Before you eat that thing consider what’s going to happen: heartburn, hives, gas, migraines?
Is it worth it? Probably not, so put it down. And walk away.
4. Find an Alternative
There’s always another option, a better option. Avoid the candy dish. Buy healthy treats. Take a walk. Chew some gum. Eat a carrot. Drink some water.
I know some of those are silly, but if you know that you’re going to be tempted when you’re out with friends you have two options: either eat the thing and suffer the consequences or come prepared with an alternative.
I actually thought of a third option – not hanging out with your friends, but that wouldn’t work for most people.
5. Broadcast Your Success
Those you know you know your struggle. They’re the ones looking at you with concern when you’re about to eat something even they know you shouldn’t eat. They probably don’t like the idea of you being in pain, and I bet they wonder why you keep doing it to yourself.
When you get to that point where you’re done eating those things, let people know.
Can you imagine how proud of you they’ll be with you just say know to the foods your body hates. Who knows? It might even make them more conscious of the places they go. They may avoid certain place when they hang with you because they want you to continue making positive food choices.
Stay the Course
Food is really comforting. Sometimes it feels nice to let you tastebuds take you down memory lane and travel back to a time and place where life was just easier. Unfortunately, those comfort taste can result in extreme discomfort for some of us.
I know it’s hard. Seriously, I do! I wanted a cupcake so badly yesterday, but I got a pedicure instead.
Having these five steps to stop eating foods that your mouth loves but your body hates is our first pathway to success.. You can do this! We can do this.
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