They say you are what you eat right? Well if that is the case, what are you?
Whether or not you agree with that statement, have you looked at your eating habits recently? If you are like most of us nurses, you are busy juggling so many things, that your intentions to eat well have fallen to the wayside.
You know what’s good for you.
You know what you should eat.
But you still find yourself eating the “wrong” foods.
This quick tip is not going to magically change all of that for you. But what I do want to encourage you to do is take a baby step.
If your eating habits have been less than stellar lately, make the commitment today to take one step in a positive direction. Don’t try to overhaul everything. That often doesn’t work. As someone who struggled with my own weight for years and then finally losing over 70 pounds, I can tell you that what worked for me was that I started making small changes and built momentum and healthy habits over time. But of course, you have to find what works for you. Here are a few suggestions* for “baby steps” you can choose from:
- Drink more water. One thing that helps me is pouring out the amount of water I want to drink for the day into a large container and carrying that around with me. You can also carry small bottles/containers. Setting the intention for the amount you are going to drink at the beginning of the day helps you to stick with it. It is also a visual reminder of how much you have left to drink
- Be prepared. Going shopping for a few hours? Usually get hungry/thirsty? Carry water and healthy snacks. Same goes for work. If you prepare yourself, you are less likely to be tempted by “junk” food.
- Add 1 more fruit or vegetable to your diet every day. Chances are, you are not eating enough fruits/veggies during the day. If this is the case, add one.
- Replace one meal (any meal) with a salad everyday. Remember, there is no prescription for salad. You get to play around and add things and try different veggies and dressings that you like. Just be mindful of the condiments and high calorie additives.
- Replace soda drinking with water or other healthier alternative.
Those are just a few suggestions. Pick one and do it for a week. Then try to add something else each week. Baby steps!
Let me know how you did on the first day and week in the comments below.
Click here for more self care tips
Talk soon,
Alicia-Joy
*photo courtesy of kthompsonstudios
