I have a confession to make…no pint of ice cream, slice of apple pie, or chocolate caramel candy is safe in my home. These are the foods that tempt me, and if I allow them into my home (during a moment of weakness at the grocery store), I am giving myself permission to eat them at some point in the near future. I told my husband once that I have absolutely no will power when it comes to these desserts. He responded, “But you have the will power not to buy these foods and that is the important part.”
When you go to the grocery store, remember that everything you buy you are giving yourself and anyone in your family permission to eat that food. Do not be tempted by sales on splurge foods. For example, buy one get one free deals on ice cream are my worst nightmare. If I end up with two half gallons of ice cream in my freezer then they will call to me even louder. I’m willing to spend more money on a little pint 0f ice cream so that I do not end up eating large quantities of my favorite comfort food.
Next week I am giving two grocery store tours for the Two Rivers YMCA’s class “6 weeks to a New You.” My main message is the one I just shared with you: be careful what you buy! Fill your refrigerator with fruits and vegetables. Buy healthy snacks for you and your family. What you bring into your house is a huge part of your daily diet. Some people eat out often which is a whole other blog, but for your time at home you need to detox your refrigerator and pantry and have healthy options right at hand.
I admit there are times when I reallly desire some ice cream, but if I have to get in the car and drive to Whitey’s to buy ice cream then I’m not nearly as likely to do it as I am to walk the 25 feet to my freezer from the couch. Many people have a problem with overeating in the evening. At the end of the day, we relax in front of the TV or with a book in hand and realize that it would be fun to eat something comforting. These are the times when having a refrigerator and pantry full of healthy foods will help you out . Even if you have young children or teenagers in the house, healthy foods are good for everyone. Many of my clients use teenagers as a reason to have junk food in the house, but healthy eating habits are important at every age!
If you need to make some changes in your eating habits and those of your family, take a good look in your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry and make some decisions about what foods you want to give your family permission to eat and what foods you should stop purchasing. Don’t just do this for 6 weeks or half a year, but always keep your house a haven for healthy eating.