December is the month where following a Banting lifestyle is sabotaged by all things Christmassy. Years and years of enjoyment of mince pies, Christmas cake and all sorts of holiday cookies, crunchies and desserts makes it very difficult to break the habit once December arrives. The problem with me is that the addictive centre in my brain makes putting the brakes on even more difficult. It’s the “once I start, I can’t stop” syndrome.
So here are 4 steps to getting back to Banting in 2017.
- Get Rid of the Leftovers
With an increase in entertainment over the festive season, it’s easy to stock up with all the wrong snack and treat food, which if left in your pantry will be extremely difficult to resist in January. Some discipline has to be exercised here. You have to stop eating the carb-laden treats and get back to the green list. The best thing to do if you have a lot of leftovers such as mince pies, Christmas cake, chips, or biscuits is to give them away. Gift them to the postman, a neighbour or someone who disregards Banting. You don’t want them lying around the house waiting to tempt you. If they are there, they will ambush your attempt to get back on Banting. Today is the day to clear out the high carb treats in your kitchen.
2. Have a Plan
This runs hand in hand with stocking up on all the right food. Before you stock up on Banting friendly products, make a menu plan. Plan what you are going to eat for the next 28 days. If you can’t manage a whole month, start with a week, but it’s best to have a plan for longer. If you decide what you will be eating for the next 28 days and put the menu on the fridge, you will have a greater chance of sticking to the plan and dumping the sugar addiction that recurs over Christmas. If you need ideas, visit the Sleek Geek website where they have a number of meal plans.
3. Stock Up on all the Right Food
Take your menu list shopping with you. If you are still unsure what to eat, the green list is the best place to start. Fill the fridge with salad and vegetables, cheese, avocados, olive oil and eggs. Buy raw almonds and macadamia nuts and various seeds. Go back to the basics of Banting, eating lots of fresh vegetables and salads. Stock the pantry with tinned tuna and sardines; the freezer with chicken, fish and meat. Choose fresh and organic food when you are able. Get organised in knowing what are the right foods to eat and having them readily available. This way when you feel like opening the cupboard, it won’t be the biscuits you reach for.
4. Create New Habits
They say it takes 28 days to create a new habit, which is why I suggest you make a meal plan for the month of January. Get into the habit of eating correctly and stick to it for 28 days. No sugar for 28 days. No refined carbohydrate treats for 28 days. Just exercise some discipline and do it! And while you are exercising discipline, work out an exercise plan as well. Perhaps walk 3 days a week. Start moving.
Expect temptation and be ready to resist it. A lot of this begins in your mind, so control your thoughts and be intentional about getting fit and healthy.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…
That’s the challenge for January 2017!
All the best!
#148 of my 1000 thanks is for a new swimming costume – and one that I really feel comfortable in! 🙂
These are the days!
Keep the smile going.
God bless you!
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂