Integrative Health Coach

Triggers?

Do you notice how you give up your healthy intentions when your friends are around?
I’ve had some friends visiting for the weekend and observed yet another trigger that often plagues all of us.
Is this you?
You’ve been doing great for 4 weeks. You’ve been incorporating healthy habits with your eating and exercise. You’ve been able to resist the high fat, high sugar foods and even exercise a few times a week. You may even plan to stay on track before they arrive. But, within a short period of time, you throw caution to the wind and WHAM you are right back in the “old habits”.
What is really happening here? Do you want to mimic them? Are you embarrassed to admit you “can’t have some forbidden food”? Do you feel deprived? Do you feel rude saying no to a food they have prepared? Do you feel isolated if not joining them with indulging? Have you had a drink or two letting your inhibitions go? Take a minute and ask yourself how all your efforts are compromised so quickly.
Don’t feel so defeated. This happens to all of us. The key is to prepare, commit and be kind to yourself.
Next time this situation comes up, plan ahead. Make sure you have foods that are in line with how you want to eat. If someone offers you something special they have made – take a “taste” not a plateful. Drink plenty of water between sips of wine. And focus on why your were working so hard over the last month.
The most important thing is not to punish yourself with negative talk. If you do slip – tell yourself – “it’s okay” and immediately get right back onto your plan. Don’t wait till the next morning! Some of my clients carry around a small item to remind them of their reason to change. It might be a piece of jewelry, a picture, or a small stone. Be sure to have it with you to glance at to remind yourself of the importance of your change.
You may be surprised at how your guests may need the encouragement to stay on track too!