Voices In My Head

For the last several months I’ve been studying the concept of mindful eating. Recently, I was a guest blogger for a mindful eating website (www.eatq.com) so I have created a series of articles on my experience with mindful eating tips for you.

Boy, it is so easy to criticize myself for the choices I make. Yet I find when I am kind to myself, making the best choice comes easier.

This is an area I have really been working on over the last few months.  Becoming aware of my own harsh thoughts and judgments is just not helpful in loving myself.  It has become so important to change the direction of these thoughts, forgive myself, and look for a positive way to acknowledge my efforts.  This lesson has been HUGE for me. I find when I cut myself some slack, but continue to be responsible, I am a much kinder person, mother, co-worker, friend, coach.

I find it helpful to keep encouraging phrases, sayings or quotes visible and use them to keep me motivated.  Being a former Weight Watchers leader, I kept a variety encouraging quotes in my mind and often used one as inspiration to close my meetings.

Lately, the mantra that keeps me focused on making healthy choices as I prepare for a meal (or bite-by-bite on tough days) is pausing and thinking “Will this bite take me closer to my goals, or further away?”

Most of the time, this simple thought slows me down, keeps me in control, and guides me to my choice. For example, before I reach for another piece of pizza, I pause and ask myself “will this piece of pizza take me closer to my goal, or further away?”. Powerful! Effective! And an opportunity to praise myself for a good choice.

Another classic mantra? “Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels.”

Take action this week by seeking out your own encouraging phrases, sayings or quotes. Then write one on a post-it note and stick it somewhere that you will see it throughout the day (on a mirror, window, or computer screen), or make it the wallpaper on your cell phone. Not sure where to start? Check out my Facebook page (Sara Wolfsen, Certified Health Coach) for many inspiring posts.  Healthy blessings!

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Sara Wolfsen is a Certified Health Coach who specializes in helping people make their own healthy changes by providing private health coaching, nutrition education and wellness classes, and gentle weight-loss guidance and support.  Schedule your complimentary coaching session and learn more online at www.sarawolfsen.com.