I just finished reading Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project and it was one of the best books I’ve read in years, maybe ever.
Gretchen’s concept of keeping resolutions and building on them monthly is perfectly adaptable to my subjectives concept. And with a compulsive, control freak streak I predict it being a perfect method for me.
For the next 14 months, I’m going to focus one at a time on my subjectives (not forgetting about the others but being particularly mindful about the one). I’ll break each one down into three or so smaller bits that I’d like to achieve daily or weekly like I did with July’s printable to do list.
In August I’m going to focus on Eat Healthy.
My baby steps for this subjective are:
- eat fruits and vegetables
- hydrate
- keep track of what I eat
I know the idea is to eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day and that’s a stretch for me. It’s attainable on some days but on others I’m perfectly happy to eat none. I’ll keep the concept in mind and aim for at least one. I mean, really I’ll aim for five, but at least one is more likely to happen.
I also know that the idea is to drink 8 cups of water a day. On most days I drink 8 cups of liquids no problem. If I don’t I’m grumpy, irritable, and prone to headaches. And most days I drink some water but often I’m downing 8 cups of Diet Coke. I’ll be more mindful about staying hydrated and choosing water. (By no means am I saying I’m going to give up Diet Coke.)
And as a stats freak, I’ve played with all sorts of calorie and nutrition counting methods and I easily get obsessive about what it means and what it adds up to. My goal here is to keep track of what I eat without caring about what that means. Less numbers, more words and pictures with the goal of actually enjoying food and not just mindlessly eating an entire batch of cookies.
What steps do you take to eat healthy?
Related posts:
Exercise Daily: Baby Steps
Pokemon Motivates me to take more Steps
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this idea! It makes it all seem more realistic and easier to do. I’m a baby steps kind of person when it comes to change also.
Great ideas! I hope that your baby steps help you succeed this month!
I’ve stumbled your post – please stop by my blog and stumble mine if you get a chance: Heather from Acting Balanced Red Hot Cold Beet Soup
Definitely – when things get crazy busy I can go days without eating properly.
I don’t really like many fruits, so I try to make up for that with more vegetables. Less peanut butter for lunch, more salads (with potatoes/couscous/pasta/chickpeas etc to bulk them out.) Veggie curries. I’m also keen to try bulking out chilis/pasta with things like grated carrots – healthier and cheaper. Cheese and dressings are also my friend!
I try to keep lots of healthy snacks in the house that can just be grabbed on the run. My boys will devour fruits and veggies if they don’t have to do any ‘processing’ themselves.
I’ve stumbled your post. Mine is at http://daybydayinourworld.com/2010/11/won't-you-be-my-neighbor/
Hi just calling by whilst blog hopping. Now following. I think this is a great idea. It is something I really need to focus on as well as my health is pretty poor, which when people look at me don’t think it is cause I am pretty skinny but I don’t have much energy and are depressed. So I need to look at the foods I am eating in the way of breads and sugar. I also need to drink more water. Good luck with this. Be sure to come by and say hi. http://www.acceptingandembracingautism.com/ Sarah
Stumbled your post. Mine is Easy Beer Biscuits
Wendy
Around My Family Table
Great post! I can really relate to it too! I’m the same way with eating fruits & veggies. Some days, fruit just doesn’t sound/appear appetizing to me. Veggies I’m always in the mood for, luckily. As for liquids – I’m a soda person too. I try drinking water, but coffee and soda win out most of the time. I’ve noticed how moody I can get if I don’t have at least 1 soda in the afternoon. Kinda ticks me off that it has that kind of hold on me.
I stumbled this post (via Kelly Lucky You’s Tues blog hop). Mine’s at http://silverfaeries-dragonflies.blogspot.com/2011/07/diy-dressformattempt-1.html
I’ll be adding this to my TBR list. As you know I am doing WW and have been successful with it. But I also let myself enjoy food and not freak out about it. Blogging about it also keeps me accountable.
Good luck!
Hi, I enjoyed your article and stumbled, have a nice day. Amee at http://www.madamedeals.com
I do the same as Marisol – I’m on WW, but I do let myself enjoy food and not make myself feel bad about it. That being said, I do keep myself in check. I basically started out doing what you’re doing – one baby step at a time.
I’ve stumbled your post! If you want to stumble back, my post is http://www.mamamommymom.com/2011/07/bbt-summer-pasta-salad.html
Jamie @ http://www.mamamommymom.com
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