Building a Healthy Lifestyle...Yes, We're Talking Food!

Sometimes I think my blog is turning into a motivational/food blog. But hey, what holds most of us back from getting the body we want? Fat girl thinking that drives us to eating foods we shouldn't. I have loads of free exercise programs for you already but it seems that we can NEVER EVER talk enough about food and changing the way we think.

Let's talk about how to build the habit of eating right so that you can let those tough Phit-N-Phat exercise programs work their magic.

1. Know why you are jumping around the gym, packing your cooler, and eating more oatmeal than you though you ever would in your life. Trust me, will power is overrated big time. Will power is never going to help you avoid a donut at the office when you are starving because you didn't eat a healthy breakfast, your co-workers are all begging you to have the fried artery clogger, and you feel justified just one won't hurt because your a.m. exercise was so hard. We are driven by our DESIRES and when you throw together that scenario, your desire is to inhale that donut like you just got booted from Survivor.

Get out a piece of paper and write down WHY you want to eat healthier. Need to fight off diabetes, want to be hot on your summer vacation, need your husband to drop his jaw when you walk out of the shower? Whatever it is write it out and put it where you can see it everyday.

2. Without a plan you don't know where you are going! You need to plan your food like you plan your work. I make a menu every week, buy that food at the store, cook it and bag it on Sunday, and then eat from it all week.

Also, don't buy junk food, you don't want temptations at home. I get so mad when my girls eat crap AT HOME!

Tip of the Day: If you have kids and hubbies that require junky foods in the house, spend a few bucks at Target and make a plastic tub filled with their stuff. Write their names on their food. They'll take ownership of it and you'll think twice before eating something that is labled.

3. Prepare. Lack of time is the biggest reason we like junk food. Nobody has time to cook three times a day anymore. Cook your food in bulk once a week or twice a week. Your food is ready when you need it and it can easily be thrown into your cooler.

4. Yummy yummy. If you are used to eating processed junk food you will need a few weeks to wean your tastebuds off of salts and sugars. Learn to cook and make some semi-clean foods. There are loads of great tasting recipes right here at PNP.  Still having a tough time? Toughen up and think of your goals. Sometimes we have to eat food to fuel our bodies and not have a devine-orgasmic experience. Basically, strap on your big girl panties because dieting is not always fun.

5. Keep It Simple Silly. Cook your meats in advance and then pair them with quick salads and canned foods during the week. We're all busy so if you are the type who is always running you need to think of ways to make easy meals. Buy bagged lettuce, frozen veggie sides, canned foods, make double portions when you cook, freeze chilis and soups, buy your veggies prepped.

6. Get a cooler and always have it with you. This way you won't have to rely on junk food because you didn't eat anything for more than 3 hours. I keep a can of tuna, Splenda, Crystal Light Packets, pre-bagged dry oatmeal, protein powder and protein bars in mine at all times. This is my emergency food. Most of the time I pack at least two meals in my cooler when I go out... just in case.

7. Plan for 90% On Plan and 10% Off Plan. Example: Monday to Saturday eat on your healthy plan and then Sunday loosen up. Keep track of your calories but make this your high calorie day. For example, if you normally eat 1500 calories a day, then Sunday you will eat 2500 calories which is just above maintenance for most women and not enough to gain fat. Make the food fun by having things you enjoy. Some people like to have one really decadent meal while others just like to eat a lot more food than they are used to once a week. It's up to you because it's your free day!

Share in the comments your tips for building a healthy eating lifestyle!