Lots of us think, “expensive,” “time-consuming,” “boring,” and “bland” when we think of healthy eating. But it’s actually possible to enjoy and appreciate healthy foods. Here’s how…
Of course we all want to feel as fit and strong and healthy as possible.
And of course, eating a healthy diet is a part of that.
The problem, though, is that a lot of us see healthy foods as less delicious, less enjoyable, more bland, more work, and more expensive.
The Negative Thoughts We Tend To Think About Healthy Foods
As far as healthy foods are concerned, our thinking tends to go like this:
“I want to eat healthy, but healthy foods taste so bland and boring!”
or
“I want to eat healthy, but I don’t want to feel hungry all the time. Healthy foods seem so depriving!”
or
“I want to eat healthy, but it takes too much effort and planning.”
or
“I want to eat healthy, but it’s too expensive.”
Do you see the theme here?
The problem is that we have all kinds of contradictory thoughts about healthy foods.
We decide that we should eat healthy foods. But then we come up with all kinds of reasons why we can’t possibly eat healthy, at least not today.
We rarely say these contradictory thoughts out loud or discuss them with other people.
Most of these thoughts are really fleeting, and we barely notice them.
That’s why it’s hard to see that contradictory thoughts are at the root of our struggle with healthy eating.
How To End The Negativity Cycle
Since contradictory thoughts are at the root of our struggle with healthy eating, we have just one goal: to figure out how to let go of all of those contradictory thoughts.
This involves a very simple three-step process:
- First, watch your thoughts carefully and try to catch all of the contradictory thoughts you have about healthy foods.
- Next, spend some time figuring out how to change those contradictions into positive statements instead.
- Say the positive statements frequently (saying them every hour of the day isn’t too much!), until they become ingrained and habitual in your mind.
It’s sort of like trying to get a high-speed train to change directions. You have to slowly bring the train (i.e., the contradictory thoughts) to a stop. Then turn it around. Then get it started in the opposite direction (with positive statements).
Positive statements (also called affirmations) are really effective as long as you remember one big rule: you have to truly believe in the affirmation.
Saying an affirmation that you don’t truly believe in won’t change anything in the short-term.
So look for affirmations that feel true; statements where you can say, “yes I agree with this.”
Here Are Some Healthy Food Affirmations To Try
To get you started, here are some examples of affirmations that have really helped me to appreciate and enjoy healthy foods.
These are all statements that support healthy eating and that I believe are true:
- I want to be kind to this body that has always served me in every way.
- My future self will be so grateful that I’m making such healthy choices.
- I like the way I feel when I’ve eaten something nourishing and healthy.
- I like modeling healthy eating for my family and kids.
- I’m lucky to have access to so many nutritious foods.
- When it comes to healthy food choices, I’m rich and abundant.
- My body loves these healthy foods.
- I love thinking about the amazing results I’ll see after eating these healthy foods: more energy, a strong body, and glowing skin.
- Eating healthy foods is a priority in my life, and I’m happy to make time in my day for my priorities.
- Eating healthy foods is a priority in my life, and I’m happy to spend money on my priorities.
- I can always make time for things that matter to me, and healthy eating matters to me.
- I can spend less on other things in order to spend more on the healthy foods my body deserves.
- There are lots of people who have figured out how to make healthy eating affordable. I can too.
- There are lots of people who have figured out how to fit healthy eating into a busy schedule. I can too.
- The grocery store has hundreds of choices and the internet has thousands of free recipes. It’s easy to find lots of ways to make healthy foods taste amazing.
- I don’t have to research the latest “superfoods” or the highest-in-vitamins foods or the highest-in-protein foods. There isn’t a contest to win. I can just choose healthy foods that I actually like and enjoy.
- I imagine the farmers who grew my healthy food. I remember the natural elements – the sun and rain and soil – that helped produce my healthy food. I think of the grocery store workers and people who processed and transported my food. So much went into this opportunity I have to eat something healthy. I’m so thankful for all of it.
You Can Put This Method Into Practice Right Now
Today, try paying careful attention to your thoughts. Notice all of your contradictory thoughts about healthy foods.
Observe every “I can’t do this” thought you have about eating healthy, and then figure out how to change each thought into a positive affirmation instead.
It’s as simple as catching every excuse and defense as it rises in your mind, then turning each one into an “of course there’s a way” thought.
As long as the affirmations feel true to you, they’ll start to slow that speeding train of negativity.
With a little practice, you’ll start to notice contradictory thoughts nearly as quickly as they pass through your mind.
As you work to change the thoughts into affirmations, you’ll begin to feel lucky and blessed to be able to eat so healthy.
For More On Body Love, Check Out:
The Simple Exercise Trick I Learned From My Preschooler
Why I Dropped The Idea of A “Goal Weight”
About The Too-Small Skinny Jeans In The Back Of Your Closet
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