Step 24

Ruthie’s Step 24… It’s a habit!
Know your habits. To lose weight, explore why you overeat. Most people are not in touch with their hunger signals and instead eat in response to triggers such as stress, anxiety and boredom. (Ruthie’s Step 11) It will help if you are touch with how you think and feel about food. Try to figure out the reason why you overeat and eat when you are not hungry. I felt I needed to eat all the time! As you can see I have overcome that. [ I was a former binge eater]
To become aware of your eating habits, keep track of things in which you find yourself craving unhealthy foods. Write them down. Keep a list of what, when and why you eat for a few days.
Some steps I have taken personally from an article and it really helps, trust me!
Before eating anything, ask yourself if you're really hungry. Consider having a glass of water. You may be just thirsty. [I DO THIS!]
Learn to refuse gracefully when people offer food that doesn't fit into your menu plan such as treats at coffee breaks. [I DO THIS!]
Do something to distract yourself from your desire to eat — call a friend or run an errand. [I DO THIS A LOT!]
Think about taking a walk, sorting through files, or cleaning out a cluttered drawer or closet. The urge to eat will pass. [I DO THIS ONE]
When you've identified an eating habit that you'd like to change, remember that gradual changes work best. Choose one area at a time and be specific about how you're going to change. When you feel you've successfully changed one eating habit, work on another. [I HAVE DONE THIS!]
Some times our eating habits are such a part of our lives we are just not aware of them. You will really have to focus on this. I am sure you will figure it out! [BELIEVE ME FOLKS; FOCUS IS A TOOL IN WEIGHT LOSS!]
Don't dwell on what you're giving up to reach a healthy weight. Concentrate instead on what you're gaining. You will feel so much better eating the good stuff. [AS A CHRISTIAN I WILL SAY AMEN TO THIS ONE!]
Believe it or not, the process of making changes to your eating habits can be enjoyable and the health benefits will soon become evident.
My next step will be on emotional eating.