Train Your Brain To Say NO To Junk Foods

Every day is a struggle to say NO to junk foods. Chad and I have created a favorite morning ritual of treating ourselves to the best coffees in town, at all our favorite coffee shops. We're a match made in calorie loaded, decadent coffee heaven. The downside; nothing about what we tell ourselves to purchase has any health benefits. We are constantly telling ourselves that we can have these things in moderation; however, moderation means what? Every day? Once a week? Once a month? Rarely do we seriously limit our bad food intake.

THE LESS JUNK FOOD YOU EAT, THE LESS JUNK FOOD YOU WANT

• PRACTICE THE 5 INGREDIENT RULE-If there are more than 5 ingredients on the food label, don't buy it, and don't eat it. Anything that has over 5 ingredients on the label is a red flag for food processing.
• PRACTICE THE THREE COLOR RULE - A Cornell study found that people want to see three food items and three different colors on their plate. So to satisfy your brains wants and needs, pick up some nuts, fruit slices and a very small piece of dark chocolate,  instead of a candy bar with just a colorful wrapper.
• CHANGE YOUR ROUTINE - Remember, that it only takes a few weeks to make a new habit...So change up your routine. Instead of heading to the lunch room vending machine, bring a healthy snack from home. Grab it and eat it while you're taking a nice walk around the building..(inside or outside when it's nice).
• MAKE A HEALTHY SNACK YOUR SNACK OF CHOICE- An easy dessert? stash red grapes in the freezer, and grab a few to end your healthy meal.
• KEEP HEALTHY FOODS HANDY- This is easy. Instead of filling your cupboards with chips and pop, fill them with healthy fruits and veggies, and nuts.
• STAY AWAY FROM YOUR TRIGGER FOODS - I love frosting.  To stay away from it, I keep powdered sugar out of the house! This is sure to send me spiraling downhill. Whatever it is that makes you crazy, keep it away from you and out of the house.
• CHEW MORE- If you can trick yourself by chewing more, you will eat less. Chew slowly and consciously, enjoying each bite.