Establish a Healthy Pattern of Eating

Everyone wants to be healthy--the number one new year's resolution is to be healthy.  For many, being healthy means weight loss, weight maintenance over time and being physically active and engaged in life.  That's a tall order for anyone because life is full of unexpected twists and turns.  That's where having a positive mindset--knowing that a healthy pattern of eating, exercising and being engaged over time is the goal.  Perfection is never the goal because that is a standard that most likely cannot become a pattern--and it gives undue attention to all or nothing thinking which is the opposite of a healthy pattern of thinking.

The World Health Organization and the USDA recommend that we all eat foods that are lower in calorie and higher in volume and nutrients for weight loss and weight maintenance.  For WW members, that means the zero point foods which include the following food groups depending which color you are following: fruits and veggies; lean proteins and protein substitutes like beans, lentils, tofu, eggs and even whole grains like oatmeal, quinoa, whole wheat pasta, air popped popcorn (yes, popcorn is actually a grain).  These foods have low likelihood of overeating because of their filling factors.  However, zero point foods are not zero calorie foods, and they are not all you can eat foods.  All you can eat mentality establishes an UNhealthy pattern of eating. 

The challenge for many of us is to keep these foods in rotation in an interesting and novel way.  We get stuck in our recipes or go to easy options because they are so convenient, and we already know the points values, but that leads to boredom in our belly and in our taste buds.  Because there are so many recipes online, on you tube and on connect, it is well worth your time to discover something delicious that satisfies and doesn't break the points bank. 

A few facts to remember: 1) We are not looking for a zero point day.  We need the nutrients and variety of pointed foods too.  2) If you are following the program by the guidelines and not getting results, check to see if you are overeating zero point foods.  It's possible.  While you don't have to track, measure or count zero point foods, your WW app will tell you what a "right size" serving is, and that may be a clue.  3) Food is meant to nourish and provide energy and keep us from feeling hungry.  It is not meant to solve emotional problems, cope with boredom or procrastination.  OUCH.

Try something new this week.  A recipe, an ingredient, a new method of preparation (baked fruit is my favorite zero point go to).  See what spicing up your menus might do for your outlook.  They go together.  If your body is satisfied, your mind says "ahhh...yes, this healthier pattern of eating is worthwhile."