Hi bros,
I'm in trouble. Been binging for the last few days and I'm afraid it may never end. What I need is some discipline to stay on a diet for more than a week. Cooking the meals, preparing them, getting all the vitamins in, etc etc. It's all a bit tough sometimes. I've come here to seek your advice on fighting this most challenging battle.
So, bros, how do you stay focused when it comes to eating right?
I'm on the "comeback trail" myself after a bad Dec. and Jan. Here are some of my thoughts.
(1)
"Winning the Day": this is a mindset I take when I've drifted far away from my goals. It's about defining victory not in long view terms (disheartening) as getting through the day without self-destructive behavior. I chart each day, good versus bad-when I start seeing 4-5 days in a row, I feel like a sports team on a winning streak; momentum is a powerful force.
(2)
Taking Away My Discretion: I'd rather be bored than fat. So my food is pre-prepared, premeasured, consumed according to a clock work schedule. There is no creativity, no allowances on the comeback trail, because I know that I put in X days, with X calories, I will reach my goals. Simplify things if you need to (cut down the # of supplements, just temporarily, to a multi and one other); Remind yourself that one day things will return to normal (the Superbowl is my next scheduled cheat day);
(3)
Sleep: when you sleep, you are not eating. The low carbs and calories tend to get me a bit down anyways, so I give my mind a rest (compared to being up at midnight on Saturday, wondering if a trip to the fridge just this once would be OK);
(4)
Cleaning: Seriously! With 2 kids and a wife who is not great with the house, I spend time cleaning. It's a great distraction and studies have shown that people's blood pressure actually drops as they do it. As things become more organzied, I feel better about life, my attitude improves and food is far from my thoughts;
(5)
Water, Water and More Water: I'm sure you do this (and avoid the possibility for water intoxication and stay within accepted levels) but I drink so much and do often I'm spending significant amounts of time (a) filling up the water bottle, (b) writing it down and (c) going to the bathroom, plus I feel so full its disgusting; and
(6)
Walking; it's time consuming, it's hard to eat during it, and it doesn't sap your energy for workouts (plus it burns a few calories). Time for reflection on your goals. I walk between 15-25 miles per week as my schedule dictates.
I realize that some of the above may be unconventional, but they work for me. The final aspect is just having faith that progress will occur and making your desire for change greater than your need for a binge.
Good luck.
