Crowding Out

Crowding Out

I bet when you think of changing your diet, the first thing that comes to mind is what you will have to give up.  It may be no more potato chips, no more cheese, no more sugar, no more coffee, no more wine…. the list goes on.  The more you think about this, the more you want to grasp on to the foods that bring you comfort and familiarity.  

This is why I love the concept of crowding out.  What if we thought about all the foods and activities that we get to add into our day to day instead of the ones that we have to take away?  Changing your mindset can be life changing when it comes to adopting a new lifestyle of health.  Think about including sweet vegetables or good fats so there isn’t any room for the sugary treats or empty carbs.  Think about adding a nice walk after dinner so there isn’t any time for late night snacking.  Think about adding an extra dose of green leafy vegetables to your smoothie along with some added protein, so you don’t want that pastry on your way to work.

I don’t know about you, but the more someone tells me I can’t have something, the more I want it.  If you can shift your thinking to include all the foods and activities that you have access to and will benefit from, you will no longer be thinking of those things that are being taken away.  See this lifestyle change as an adventure, a way to experience new foods, to learn why these foods are good for you, where they came from and to break out of your regular routine and contribute to your future of health.  

Take this opportunity to change your mindset and think about all the ways you have control of what you can eat and what you can’t eat. Step out on this adventure and fill your day with the life giving foods and activities so there isn’t any room for the ones that make us tired, bored and unhealthy.  Practice this concept of crowding out and let me know how it goes.