Self Control with Nutrition

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

There are three main parts to "Self-control":

1) Observation: involves monitoring and keeping track of ones thoughts, feelings, words, and actions.

2) Efficacy: are guidelines that steer us toward desirable responses.

3) Strength refers to the energy we need to control our impulses.

When we discuss "Self - Control" in regards to your nutrition. It is important to remember words matter. Especially when the words or descriptions of food are categorizes as Good Vs Bad. When using this type of terminology with our food choices, we begin to see ourselves as ‘bad’, 'Inferior', or ‘out of control’ every time we reach for a food that is not in our "Good/Healthy" category. We must change our way of thinking, that it is ok to have both healthy and not so healthy foods in our diet. It is all about moderation, not deprivation.

TIP: Create an eating plan that includes more healthy foods, instead of focusing on eliminating "unhealthy food". This will help us not feel as though we are punishing ourselves. If your nutrition is full of healthy foods you love, you will begin to not crave the foods that aren't benefiting your ability to reach your goals.

TIP: Plan ahead! Plan all of your weekly meals, plan your grocery shopping, and plan your prep day. Remember a goal without a plan is just a wish.

TIP: Schedule times for treats. And create a variety of snacks (salty and sweet) that are quick and within your macros with the availability of reaching your ultimate health goal.

TIP: Track your efforts. By tracking your food, which is scientifically proven to help in one's weight loss journey, it will empower and reveal how much control you have over your food choices, instead of your food choices having control over you. It also gives you the ability to see by making a temporary decision that might not serve your health goals is different than the decision to return to old eating habits and a complete fall off the health wagon.

Peace and Grace,

Kristie Kwan

K2 Fit