I make horrible food choices when
I’m hungry. It’s like I’m under the influence of the cookie monster. When I’m
hungry in the supermarket, it’s very likely that I will reach the checkout with
a basket full of chocolate (that’s actually happened!)
In the short term, what this means
is that I satisfy my hunger pangs without getting properly nourished. Soon
after that, my sugar cravings will come back even worse and so begins a vicious
circle of sugar cravings that’s hard to break. I go from cranky to hyper and
back again as my blood sugar is jerked around. I frequently find myself anxious
for no reason. I sleep quite poorly at night and spend my days drifting off at
awkward times.
In the long term, this means, obesity,
diabetes, a lifetime of bad health and mood swings and most likely an early
death. How am I going to avoid this? I am going to ensure I am never ever
hungry. I will prepare my food in advance so that I can eat little amounts,
often. I will only prepare healthy food and avoid sugary, starchy foods. I will
ensure I have some protein with every meal and snack.
If this is so great, why doesn’t
everyone do it? A lot of people associate food with comfort and of course sugar
is very comforting. It is easier to keep eating the way you have become
accustomed to. Breaking lifelong habits can be very difficult. But do you want
to be just like everyone else; slaves to your sugar cravings; complaining about
how out of shape you feel while munching on some bread?
Eliminating sugary, starchy foods
from your diet is not a faddy way of eating; it is sustainable and long term,
it is much healthier. Sure, you will feel a little less energetic and
uncomfortable at first. This generally lasts a few days but you will find that almost
immediately, your stomach will feel slimmer and firmer as you drop excess water
and gas that constantly bloats you when you eat sugary, starchy foods. As time
goes on, you will have more energy. You will sleep better and you can enjoy
better more stable moods that are not subject to the influence of what is in
your stomach.
Clients ask me all the time
questions like “how many carbohydrate foods can I have a day?” and “how long do
I have to restrict carbohydrates for?” and “can I ever have the unhealthy
things I like ever again?” The answer to all these questions is very simple.
You can have as many carbohydrate foods as you like a day. As a matter of fact,
you can eat all the unhealthy foods that you like. You just won’t see results
unless you put the effort in. The better your diet is, the faster you’ll see
results and the more pronounced your results will be.
For me, this is a no- brainer. It
is actually such a small bit of effort for such a large reward. I have improved
health, more energy, sleep better and feel better and look better and all I
have to do is prepare my food in advance. Seriously?! What’s the drawback??
There is none. I wish everything
were as simple. Any questions?
