IT ONLY TAKES 21 DAYS
By Carin Decker
Lean At Last
It only takes 21 days to change a habit. When you move into a new house or apartment, how long does it take for it to feel like home? It takes 21 days. How long does it take to feel comfortable in a new job? Right again--21 days. New baby, or even back to school? It takes your mind 21 days to adjust to the new routine.
ESTABLISHING NEW HABITS
Establishing new eating and fitness habits may seem awkward at first (especially if you don't remember what they look like), but hang in there.
During the first three weeks, it is important to stay focused on the changes you are making. Eat plenty of healthy food, drink lots of water, and, of course, get a little exercise everyday. Abstain from "cheating" during this critical period. After all, cheating is the habit you're trying to break.
It is also especially important during these three weeks to create new, positive mental images of yourself. You are changing old habits, which is impossible to do with the old mental pictures of yourself. You can't behave in a manner that contradicts your subconscious thoughts. In other words, you can't act like a new person when you think like the old one.
GIVE IT A CHANCE
The second week tends to be the toughest. The "new" has worn off, and your mind is thinking of the old familiar cheeseburgers and greasy french fries.
Now is a good time to start branching out in the kitchen. Buy some fruits and vegetables you don't usually buy, and try some new recipes. Chances are if you like the ingredients, you'll like the finished dish.
Pick easy recipes that you will be likely to prepare time and again. Sometimes I've spent so much time and effort on a fancy dish, I pray my family doesn't like it so I won't have to make it again. These are not the recipes you want to be experimenting with for these three weeks.
Take a pen and circle "Day 21" on your calendar. See how close it is? You can make it!
KEEP IT GOING
At the end of 21 days, good eating and fitness habits are finally normal. You will find that maintaining them is much easier than creating them. By now you have discovered plenty of delicious, low-fat foods that you enjoy, because you have made a conscious effort to do so.
With just a little effort, your new, good habits will last a lifetime. So while you're learning to take control of your life, just take it one day at a time--21 times.
Published in
The Daily Sun