Recent Posts

They are getting it. And they are starting to appreciate what it is I am doing for them. Yesterday, my husband thanked me for not buying anymore crap. He has realized that the biggest reason he could not drop the 30 pounds that has crept on the past few years is the mindless eating that he does all day. And, yes, I'm partly to blame for that. Why? Because I was a "provider". I bought the food. I kept it in the house. I allowed for it to be eaten. I, myself, tried to stay away from it. I like to sneak myself a cookie now and then, but when the package was empty after a few days, I'd get angry and buy another package. It seemed I never got that cookie. Now I know why...the mindless eating by the rest of my family. "Provide it and they will eat it."

Now my motto has changed.
My new motto? "Provide it and they will eat it."

What? But, Theresa, that is the same motto!
Why, yes it is!

But instead of providing the crap, I'm providing the healthy. I make a big fruit salad twice a week. I fill the fridge with carrot sticks, celery sticks (which I cut myself to save money), nut butters, hummus made from scratch, hard cheeses, Shakeology, mixed and ready to shake and drink. You won't find chips, or cookies, or candy anymore. Even my step-son noticed when he came home from college last week. "There is no more junk food in this house", he said.

Yep...no more junk food.
"Provide it and they will eat it."

You see, you've started this incredible new way of life. Your fitness habits and eating habits have changed. You are seeing the light! SHARE it with the family. Why deny them? Why start an individualized weight loss program? If you have young children, imagine the good that you are doing for them. Imagine their little minds reaping the benefit of fresh foods. They are looking up to you. Feed their brains! Feed their bodies with the stuff you are now feeding yourself. They will adjust. They will get used to it. They will start to crave it.
I'm not saying the kid (or you, for that matter) can't have a cookie once in a while. But look to make them yourself. Use whole wheat flour, use natural sweeteners, make it a family project to find the healthiest ingredients, and then make them together! Quit buying the boxed stuff. Home made from scratch says there is love involved. Show it!

And the significant other? Maybe he or she could stand to lose a few pounds. After all, the two of you are in this together. It is not a crime to want him or her to be around just as long as you will be, now that you know what you are doing. Make the adjustment. Do it for the ones you love.

Sure, it sounds easier than it is. I know that. I started my journey a year ago, and since the new year, I have realized that this has to be a family affair. There were mumblings and grumblings and lots of half eaten plates at the end of meals. But slowly, the mindset has changed. The children ask for fruit salad to bring in for their school snack. So I invested in some mini thermos containers for them to do that. The big healthy salads I make for dinner are now being scarfed down. They ask for Shakeology when they get home from school. Why should I deny them healthy foods? In the long run, it may cost a little more...but the money I'm saving from not buying the crap is starting to show. And everyone is learning lessons that will last a lifetime.