People's eating habits and habits in general are partly controlled by what their mind currently prefers. What we don't realize is that our repetitive actions also effect what we currently prefer. This is another manifestation of the mind/body connection. For example, think about the chores we hated as kids but tend to navigate towards as adults because it is what we are programmed to do.

Now let's apply this knowledge to the foods we eat. If we truly want to change our eating habits we need to change the underlying preference or belief. Honestly, people think I eat buckwheat and turkey burgers all day, which is far from the truth, however I do eat much healthier than the typical American and at this point I find it easy as I have continually made the choice to eat healthier items that I enjoy, I've actively looked for new foods and have found that I now often crave them over the unhealthy options. Below is the method I have discovered in slowly moving myself over to so many healthier foods over time, such as soy milk (started only in cereal), whole grain pasta (it's all about the sauce anyway) and fish (didn't realize how much I actually liked it because I rarely ate it growing up).

First, BREAKDOWN down your mental barriers and find the Deal Breakers. I am sure there are certain types of vegetables you do like or at least do not totally dislike, or there are ways that they can be prepared that you do like very much. There is no great value in being closed off to an entire category of food or anything else for that matter, so acknowledge this, open your mind and list the vegetables or veggie dishes that you do like. These rogue preferences are the Deal Breakers, they prove that you are actually holding on to a negative, generalized preference that is not entirely true.
Second, CONSUME those vegetables/dishes regularly (weekly) to allow your body and mind adapt to them.
Even if it feels a bit forced at the beginning you need to continue to eat these veggies as reconditioning only works with repetition. Find ways of preparing them that you really like and include them as parts of other dishes, getting creative with spices, sauces, and mixing them with things you love. After a little while your aversion will lessen and you are on your way towards changing your habits. This is the same with fitness. At first you are out of shape and the exercise feels uncomfortable and mentally undesirable. However as your body adapts to it the mental aversion becomes less. Many people get this far and eventually fall back into their old poor eating and fitness habits because they never turn a forced action into a craving and habit.
Third, REMIND yourself of the inherent good qualities, both pleasurable and health wise, every time you eat vegetables. For example, if broccoli was one of the vegetables I am choosing to eat regularly, I would appreciate the great green color and the crunchy texture. Then I'd take note of the large amount of broccoli I can eat for so few calories and how good I felt physically and mentally after the broccoli meal compared with unhealthy options such as French fries and burgers. Lastly, knowing that broccoli has cancer fighting chemicals and other great health benefits makes me feel like I accomplished something for myself versus the low level stress of food guilt.
Your brain is logical, so when you give it all these benefits of eating broccoli, and you eat it regularly you will actually begin to crave it for all of those exact reasons. If you stop eating it or never think about why broccoli is good and so good for you, there is no prayer for a spontaneous change in eating preference. Whatever you want and think about you will manifest, so if you think you don't like a food, you won't, if you truly see value in that food and remind yourself of the good things, you will eat it.
Lastly, BE PATIENT and DISCOVER similar foods once you become comfortable. Remember that researchers say it takes at least 6 months to create a habit or long lasting lifestyle change so be patient with yourself. Once you see the reconditioning process work, see if you cannot add other similar healthier foods into your diet using your open mind and coaching skills.
2 comments:
You have to express more your opinion to attract more readers, because just a video or plain text without any personal approach is not that valuable. But it is just form my point of view
You have really great taste on catch article titles, even when you are not interested in this topic you push to read it
Post a Comment