We’re in the last week of Habit #4. Did you add any superfoods to your daily nutrition?
I’ve been thinking about the eating habits of people I encounter every day. And although everyone is different, I think I can break people’s eating habits down into 2 main profiles:
- Those who eat clean; and
- Those who don’t.
There is an abundance of data about the importance of eating a well-balanced diet consisting of whole foods. Whole foods meaning food that is as close to its natural state as possible.
This also means avoiding processed foods as much as possible. Every time food is touched (processed), the nutrient value declines. And the calorie content, unhealthy fat, and sugar usually rises.
I would add a few other things to the “Avoid List” including fast food, anything fried, most appetizers, baked goods, candy… You should also minimize your sugar, salt, and white flour product intake as part of your healthy regimen. For my full list, click here.
Let me ask you a serious question.
If the next car you bought cost $1,000,000.00, would you hesitate for a second to give it the best gas? Or make sure to perform routine maintenance and hire the best mechanic?
You’re thinking “that sounds ridiculous!”. Which part?
I’ll agree that you can’t put a price tag on your life – that is ridiculous! But the feeding and maintenance is spot on. The only real difference is that if you neglected your car, you could always buy another one. But what’s your recourse for neglecting your body?
Think about it.
Here’s what I don’t understand. With all of this information and proof, why do so many people continue to make bad food choices?
Still not convinced? The numbers don’t lie. Two-thirds of Americans are overweight. Just look around.
I understand that eating clean is NOT EASY. But it’s ESSENTIAL to your good health and longevity.
And avoiding good nutrition (not eating clean) leads to far too many problems. Like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke just to name a few. I don’t know about you, but I will do anything and everything possible to avoid these life altering diseases. Which eventually become life ending.
And they’re so preventable! In fact, it’s also been proven that you can reverse the negative effects of these preventable diseases by eating better and exercising. Like feeding your expensive sports car “high test” fuel and performing routine maintenance.
So WTF???
It’s so infuriating to see so many people neglecting themselves. And for what besides a heavy price?
Why wait for a medical emergency? STOP making excuses! And STOP putting other people’s priorities ahead of your own.
I know what you’re saying. “I’m too busy and don’t have enough time.” But that describes everyone! You don’t know where to start? Did you ever hear of the Internet? Too overwhelming? Then hire a professional. Even if only for a few sessions. You’re worth it! Aren’t you?
I have a theory.
Eating “dirty” is more prevalent (and popular) today than eating “clean” because of but not limited to the following:
- Laziness. It’s just easier.
- Lack of discipline.
- Convenience.
- Ignorance.
- “Instant” gratification feels better than its counterpart – “delayed”.
- It’s more pleasurable to do what’s fun and easy in the present than what’s necessary and perhaps more difficult for the future.
- Martyr syndrome.
- Too busy looking for the next “quick fix”.
As far as I’m concerned, these are all unacceptable excuses.
You have a choice. And if you can’t figure it out, then seek help from someone who has. That can help YOU make better choices.
No quick fixes either. Commit to building your healthy habits one meal at a time, but for the long term. And before you know it, you’ll see results. Which will help to motivate your new healthy lifestyle.
I like how Darren Hardy put it in his best-selling book The Compound Effect. On page 59 he writes: “If you took a bite of a Big Mac and immediately fell to the ground clutching your chest from a heart attack, you might not go back for that second bite. If your next puff of a cigarette instantly mutated your face into that of a weathered eight-five-year-old, chances are you’d pass on that too. If you failed to make that tenth call today and were immediately fired and bankrupted, suddenly picking up the phone would be a no-brainer. And, if that first forkful of cake instantly put fifty pounds on your frame, saying ‘no thank you’ to dessert would be the true piece of cake.”
Great words of wisdom. If you haven’t picked up your copy of The Compound Effect, I highly recommend it! Get it here.
I’d like to wrap up by sharing a great article. It’s packed with 10 healthy eating tips that resonate with my philosophy. I hope you enjoy. http://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/healthy-eating.htm
Next week we start Habit #5. The weather is getting nicer and I think you’re gonna like this one. In the meantime, start eating healthy for cryin’ out loud!
Thank you for sharing your time with me. I’d love for you to let me know what you think by leaving a comment. Is the content valuable and helpful? Did anything resonate? Will you take action? What else would you like to see in future posts?
If you know someone that can benefit from this content, I’d be eternally grateful if you would share this with them. And if you like what you see, you can SUBSCRIBE for automatic updates, LIKE US on Facebook, and spread the word about www.thin2win.net with your friends, family and social circles.