 | Lisa Vermillion is President and co-owner of Get Fit Bee Fit and Thin and Healthy Weight Management. Lisa opened Get Fit- 4 years ago in Valley Center, after receiving certifications thorough the American Council on Exercise as a Weight and Lifestyle Management Consultant and Certified Personal Trainer. In January, she Grand Opened Thin and Healthy Weight Management in the same location. Lisa not only provides weight loss programs for individuals but she also implements business wellness programs for small businesses and large corporations. Additionally, Lisa is a Certified Life Coach providing guidance for individuals in the areas of career, relationship and personal development. She is available for speaking engagements in the areas of Physical Fitness, Weight Management, or any Life Coaching area (goal setting, positive attitude, sales, etc). Lisa can be reached for questions or speaking engagements by phone (316) 755-1115 or email at mvmillion@yahoo.com |
Diet & Nutrition
2010-11-01 13:31:00
Changing habits
Question: How can I control my destructive habits?
Answer: Habits are the things you do without even thinking about them. They are the unconscious activities you repeat on a regular basis. Some habits are helpful; however, some habits simply get in the way of you reaching your potential. Recognize the habits blocking your way; determine to make a change, and develop a plan to change a destructive habit into a constructive habit.
First, determine what habits you have that keep you from reaching your goal. Take time to sit and evaluate what habits are not useful to you. Ask yourself, “Is this action giving me a positive or negative result?” For example, if weight loss is your goal, stopping at McDonald’s every day for a Big Mac and fries because you don’t feel like cooking is probably not going to give you a positive result.
Second, you must determine to make a change. The positive result has to be worth more to you than the ease in staying where you’re at. It takes work to change a habit; therefore, reaching your goal must be fueled by a strong desire so you will do what it takes to change the habit. Take our example, after a long day at work, it’s much easier to have McDonald’s cook for you. Ask yourself, “Is that extra 1040 calories and 54 grams of fat worth being unable to move around easily, not seeing your kids or grandkids grow up, or mucking about in poor self esteem?
Finally, you must develop a plan to replace old habits. You cannot simply stop a negative habit; you must put something in its place. My favorite example of this is the little seven year old Billy, baking cookies with his mom. They’re having a great time until mom pours in the flour. The boy begins stirring, anxiously awaiting the end result; however, he gets some of the flour on his hands and wipes them on his jeans. Mother scolds him, “Billy don’t wipe your hands on your jeans!”
He stirs again, trying hard to be careful, but still flour finds its way on to his hands. Again, Billy wipes his hands on his jeans.
“Billy, I said don’t wipe your hands on your jeans! Use a towel instead”
The next time Billy gets flour on his hands, he has an alternative, using the towel his mom provided. She has given him something to replace the old habit with. Likewise, you can replace your old habits with positive ones. Putting a few healthy ingredients in the crock pot ahead of time or cooking up extra servings on the weekend and freezing them, makes for ease in the evening. Having an alternative in place, moves you closer to your goal.
Identifying the habits that are holding you back, making the decision to make a change, and giving yourself alternate behaviors, you will put yourself in a position to reach your goals.
