I admit that I’ve recently gotten out of any routine I like to keep. I ran Oklahoma City Marathon 4/25, took my very last final for my MBA 5/11, closed on my house 5/17, remodeled the house for move in from 5/17-now, and changed Fort Worth offices at the beginning of June. Now it’s almost October and there’s just a smidgen of routine back in the works.
I find in working with people on the very tough subject of nutrition that routines in this area are good. The word routine is relative depending on the person, but I have found in my practice that your diet will be better if you can revolve your nutrition around routine. Try these five simple steps:
1) Shop on the same day each week or every other week depending on how many people are in your household. This way: you’re less likely to be rushed; if you’re trying to get to the store without kids, it can be arranged; and, actually getting to the store regularly becomes more of the habit than fast food. Making a list and planning ahead for meals and snacks should become part of this routine as well.
2) Try to eat at the same times every day. I know, I know, conference calls get in the way, little Suzie’s volleyball practice gets in the way and even your spouse gets in the way sometimes! Next time you go to the store (as part of your new routine) buy some nuts and dried fruit that you like, portion them in snack baggies and stick one in your purse and several in your car console and your desk at work. Next time you get stuck, pull it out and snack at your designated time.
3) Look it up before you eat out. This takes practice and will power but there are so many ways you can do this now. Many apps on the iPhone are available to look up restaurant foods. Go to the restaurants website and there’s likely a .pdf of nutrition content of foods. You’ll at least make a better choice knowing you would have consumed 2000 calories.
4) Make sure there’s a veggie on the table for dinner. Try different ones to see if your family likes them again. Don’t get discouraged if no one eats them at first. It may take time, but kids do what you do, not what you say.
5) Sometimes it’s necessary to break a routine. If you’re routine is to drive by Sonic and get a Route 44 soda everyday because you like the ice, get the ice and take it home for some water, or drive down a different street all together.
There are all sorts of routines we can form around our eating habits to ensure we live healthy, productive lives. Honestly, in all the chaos in my life over the last three months, my eating routine is out of whack! But, it feels so good to be going back to the store every week, planning ahead three dinners that I’ll make each week, and hitting a farmer’s market each week again for veggies. I already have more energy, I’m getting ALL my runs in, I feel healthier and I’ve almost lost the 4 pounds I gained in all the chaos!
