November Week 4: The Power of One

I hope that you are enjoying connecting this month as much as I am. It’s amazing to see what you notice about your thoughts, your body and your life when you really tune in.

One thing I have noticed over the years of helping people master their weight is how easy it is to go from eating one serving of something and then, because the jar or the box or bowl of the thing I am eating is still there, I continue to graze on that thing. The tricky thing is that my mind has registered only one serving, but my body registered, recorded, and stored (as extra calories), 3 servings.

Often, it is those extra bites that create the difference between a weight release week and a weight maintain or gain week.

I have been maintaining for years, but still catch myself with the jar of peanut butter eating an extra spoonful or two… That is when I know the peanut butter is in charge of me and not the other way around.

What do I do?
I get back in charge.
How?

I have learned a simple tool that allows me a lot more power in my environments. I have become aware of my weakness with certain food items. So, if I am going to bring a food in my house that could put me into that “eat a few more servings than predicted” mode, I only bring it in by way of single serving containers.

Like peanut butter. I usually buy only the little single servings of peanut butter. That way, if I am going to treat myself to peanut butter, there is a single serving beginning—middle—and end. The end! No more bites, licks and mindless continuing.

This works great for all sorts of treats that you might otherwise overeat enough to keep yourself from the weight release zone. As you connect to your environment this week, notice which foods pull you to eat a few too many bites of and see if you can shift them into single servings. Sure, it may seem that are spending a bit more, but you are eating less servings--saving calories, your health and your freedom.

SINGLE SERVING SAVIORS:

• nuts
• cheese
• Ice Cream
• cream cheese
• Peanut butter
• crackers
• pretzels
• trail mix
• wine!

What are some ideas that you can think of? Have a fun week taking charge and connecting to your environment and enjoy the Power of One!