Week 13
Planning for High-Risk Times
In our journey towards a healthier lifestyle, it's important to recognize and manage the high-risk times for overeating. These moments can often derail our best intentions, but with awareness and planning, we can navigate them successfully. Let’s explore the top three high-risk times: travel, holidays, and evenings, and discuss strategies to manage them.
1. Travel: The Challenge of Convenience
Travel often disrupts our regular eating patterns and presents us with convenient, yet less healthy, food options.
Strategies:
Pack Snacks: Before setting off, pack a variety of healthy snacks. Think fruits, nuts, and whole grain sandwiches. This reduces the temptation to grab fast food.
Hydrate: Keep a water bottle handy. Sometimes, we mistake thirst for hunger.
Research Restaurants: Look up healthy eating options at your destination in advance. Opt for places that offer balanced meals.
Ask for a microwave, small fridge and kettle for your hotel room to start your day with a healthy breakfast made in your hotel room.
2. Holidays: A Feast of Temptation
Holidays are synonymous with indulgent meals and an abundance of food.
Strategies:
Eat Beforehand: Have a small, healthy snack before attending a holiday event. This helps in not arriving overly hungry, which can lead to overeating.
Use smaller plates and take time to savor your meal. This helps in managing portion sizes.
Healthy Contributions: If it’s a potluck, bring a healthy dish. This ensures there’s at least one healthier option available.
3. Evenings: The Lure of Late-Night Snacking
Evenings, especially after a long day, can lead to mindless snacking and overeating.
Strategies:
Have activities planned that delight you!
Mindful Eating: Eat without distractions like TV or smartphones. This helps you be more aware of your hunger and fullness cues.
Remove trigger foods from your home, even just for 90-Days.
Stay mindful, stay healthy!