One of the most important aspects of losing weight is understanding the role of the mind. We, or at least our minds, are constantly bombarded with messages from the outside world, which are processed and stored in our memories. Many food manufacturers target our subconscious mind, so that we believe that eating their food product will make us feel good because it is associated with glamorous, wealthy and successful people. We learn to believe that a product makes us feel good, and gives us energy. When we are endeavouring to lose weight, we are trying to deny ourselves certain foods — especially convenience foods or those high in sugar and calories. If we have allowed our minds to be programmed by the media, we will find it very difficult to resist the urge to eat these foods. This is mainly because our mind has been trained to believe that a product will make us feel good, and that we deserve it as a treat. We need then, to re-educate our minds. When thinking of eating something we don’t require, we need to program our minds to be on our side, the side of good health. The body follows the mind.
Visualize the tasty treat, as it really is. Full of calories, full of sugar, and preservatives. It may rot your teeth, give you spots, and it will certainly cause you to put on weight. And it will make you sad because you have broken your healthy eating plan. It is just not worth it. You can have a nutrient rich, healthy, energizing banana instead – or say to yourself, “I’m not really hungry, and I don’t need to eat something just to make me feel good!” Food does not solve problems. Visualize eating a cake to make you feel good, and then tell yourself that eating that cake will make you fat.
Having said that, my healthy eating plan does allow two treats a day. After all, we are all human and cutting out all treats can lead to bingeing. A little of what you fancy is all right, but remember that you are what you eat and you don’t want it to be junk. You can receive a copy of my healthy eating plan by emailing [email protected].
Join Me in My Weekly Task
Try to go for a walk at least twice; walk briskly for at least 10 minutes.
Why? Walking briskly increases your fitness levels; helps your circulation; reduces stress.
How? Invite a family member to join you for a walk in the morning before breakfast.
Recipe of the Week
Cajun Grilled Chicken Breasts
Serves 6
Ingredients
6 boneless chicken breast halves
1 tsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun blended spice mix
1 tbsp parsley, chopped
Method
Prepare grill or broiler. Place chicken between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound lightly with a mallet or other heavy flat object to flatten slightly. Brush both sides of chicken with oil and sprinkle with spice. Grill or broil 4-6 minutes per side 13 cm from heat source until cooked through. Serve sprinkled with parsley.
Ask Alva
I have been reading a lot recently about the Atkins diet. I need to lose about 10 kilos and I think this diet would suit me as I enjoy eating meat and cheese.
I am constantly being asked about this controversial diet as it seems a quick fix to so many eager to lose excess weight. But first you must accept that to lose weight, you need to eat less. The Atkins diet is not a healthy diet and you are risking your long-term good health. I do not recommend it as it is in opposition to my healthy eating principles of reduced fat, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates for the supply of energy. If you lose weight by switching to a healthy diet, you can stay on it for life. Believe me, when you follow a healthy diet you feel fresh, you have energy, you feel in control, and you maintain an ideal weight. If you email me [email protected] I will send you a copy of my healthy eating guide.
For all your weight concerns and questions e-mail Alva Carpenter at:
Selected letters will be replied to in this column.
