tying and mindless eating influence your health? These are all questions to consider, ideally before the temptation hits, so that you’re armed with more clarity regarding the right choice. Here are some practical ways for you to set yourself up for success, with the help of Hashem. The first thing you can do to make your environment more conducive toward your endeavor is to prepare your meals in advance. Just as you prepare your kids’ lunches so they can take a nutritious meal to school, you need to prepare your own meals ahead of time. Most of us don’t spend the time taking care of our needs in the same way we would for someone else, but there’s too much fallout as a result. Carve out the time you deserve so you can nourish yourself properly every day. If you find the catered lunches more tempting, and they’re not healthy enough for you to partake in, invest that extra effort to make your lunches appealing to you. Prepare a flavorful salad, a refreshing fruit smoothie, or bake healthy cookies. Alternatively, treat yourself on those days to a store-bought meal that does fit your nutritional requirements. Also, be mindful of eating your meals on time instead of answering “just another few” emails before your lunch break. You don’t want to hit your point of hunger and then eat mindlessly and excessively. Enjoy your meals before you reach your point of hunger and make the proper choices when you’re not yet so hungry. Having a routine is also extremely conducive to maintaining healthy habits. Make an effort to stick to similar mealtimes every day. Once your system is set in place, you’ll find it harder to veer off it. When there’s a party going on and you’re tempted to partake in the foods offered there, don’t deprive yourself. Treat yourself in a smart way so that you don’t feel resentful. Whether you enjoy your own baked goods or find foods that work for you, anything is better than building up resentment toward what’s essentially a most positive endeavor. Most importantly, remember that you have what it takes to succeed. Be confident with your changes and know that by taking care of your health, you’re giving yourself something way better than the short-lived pleasure of good-tasting food..
Back on Track How to reclaim those healthy habits With the beautiful Yom Tov of Pesach behind us, our “After Pesach To-Dos” are currently in the spotlight. If weight loss or brushing up your healthy habits is on that list for you, here are some insights. First, the season of spring is an ideal time for effective change. The weather is (hopefully) glorious while most of us are still in a routine, unlike in the summer months. So how do you maximize these days? Let’s start with what not to do. Do not start any fad diet. These don’t work, and even if they do, they’re never a long-term solution. Fasting, detoxes, or eliminating food groups are rarely effective. If you’re considering taking extreme measures, you’re best off not focusing on your short-term goal. Rather, use this opportunity to make some long-term health changes. If you plan smartly, you’ll likely be more successful at maintaining those long-term changes. Consulting with a certified nutritionist or dietitian is an excellent first step toward ascertaining what’s right for you, but here are some effective habits you can implement on your own. ▶ With the weather warming up, outdoor exercise becomes an excellent option. Carve out just half an hour at least three times a week for a brisk walk, and you’ll feel so much better. ▶ If you’re not looking to lose weight, but you’re just trying to get back on track, focus on increasing your water and vegetable intake, cutting out refined and unnecessary carbs, and eating more protein. These basic eating guidelines will make you feel better in just a short time. ▶ Most importantly, remember that every day is a new start, a new opportunity to make smart choices. Keep in mind that a negative attitude toward yourself will only keep you stuck. Berating yourself for poor choices over Yom Tov or wallowing in guilt over what was will only foster a negative state of mind, which is not conducive to a healthy start. Rather, focus on the right now, how the right choices will enable you to feel better in the present and future. You can do this!
Please send your questions to the nutritionist to info@wellspringmagazine.com. Shani Taub, CDC, has been practicing as a certified nutritionist in Lakewood for almost a decade, meeting with clients in person and on the phone. She also owns the highly popular Shani Taub food line, which carries healthy, approved, pre-measured foods and delicacies sold at supermarkets and restaurants.
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