Fitness Tips

The Best Strategies For Navigating Trigger Foods

You may see my transformation below and think I have iron clad will power.  This is not the case.  I can and do succumb to tasty treats and have indulged in excess.

If this is the case, then how did I transform and how do I still maintain my results?  There are a multitude of reasons, but one of them was learning how to deal with trigger foods. 

What are trigger foods? 

They are usually ultra processed and extra tasty foods that hold the magic combo of sugar, fat and salt.  They are low in protein and low in fiber and you know the saying, “bet you can’t eat just one?”

Next are the 5 best strategies for successfully navigating trigger foods. 

  1. Don’t Buy/ Don’t Make: You can’t indulge in something that is not available.
  2. Out Of Sight/ Hide It: Constantly being reminded that a tasty treat is available makes it so much harder to exert willpower. Hide them from yourself.
  3. Swap it: Make an alternative (but similar) treat Instead that is higher in protein, fiber and nutrients. My E Cookbooks are full of swaps.
  4. Pair It: Enjoy a smaller portion along with an otherwise high volume, high fiber, high protein and nourishing meal. 
  5. Not First: Fill up on fruits, veg, and protein to start your meal.  Eating foods first that are designed to be as tasty as possible will make other foods incredibly lack luster by comparison.  In addition, if you eat these types of foods while hungry, it will easily lead to overconsumption.  If you are going to include these foods, save them for last.  

Use these strategies to help you reach your fitness goals and to help you maintain your hard earned results long term.

If you have thought about having me as your coach to support you along your own fitness journey check out the Online Fitness Coaching page on my website for more info and how to inquire about my online fitness coaching service. Receive customized activity and nutrition plans, monthly virtual calls, and weekly email check in’s.

www.melaniewales-sustainableliving.com

Follow me on Instagram for more tips, free recipes, and full days of eating.

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving

Uncategorized

Find yummy treats hard to avoid when kept in the house? Here are 4 ways to make it easier.

Do you find it hard to avoid the yummy foods that are around for your kids and family?

I get it. My daughter and husband easily self regulate and do not over consume palatable foods such as chips, cookies, and ice cream. They are active and healthy, so I don’t limit what they keep around the house.

These are the 4 ways I’ve found helpful to manage my behavior and tendencies around highly palatable foods, since historically, I found it hard to regulate myself with these foods.

These are also the strategies I recommend to my clients with family’s to help them navigate their own food environment.

1. Make a mental barrier. In your mind, label the food as theirs. Not yours. That’s “the kids food or snack.”

2. Make a physical and visual barrier. The less convenient it is to access and the less we see it, the less likely we are to act on the impulse to grab it.

3. Make a swap. Will power is finite. Having snacks that better align us with our goals is another great option. Air popped popcorn instead of chips or a protein smoothie instead of ice-cream are nice options.

4. Make a pairing. Portion and pair a small amount to enjoy along with an otherwise high protein and satiating mixed meal.

If you have thought about having me as your coach to support you along your own fitness journey check out the Online Fitness Coaching page on my website for more info and how to inquire about my online fitness coaching service. Receive customized activity and nutrition plans, monthly virtual calls, and weekly email check in’s.

www.melaniewales-sustainableliving.com

Follow me on Instagram for more tips, free recipes, and full days of eating.

www.instagram.com/melaniewales.sustainableliving