Healthy eating doesn’t have to be hard. With the right approach, you can transform your eating habits effortlessly. Let’s explore how to make this journey easy and enjoyable, just like my experience with my little brother.
A Funny Start
My little brother had a knack for two things: making everyone laugh and eating like a champion. Once, I suggested he have some protein after working out. He thought I said “poutine,” and the excitement on his face was priceless! But as I watched him out-eat most adults at dinner, I realized there was a problem. At just 11 years old, he was headed for trouble with unhealthy eating habits. I knew I had to help him.
A Twist of Fate
In March 2013, I broke my leg on a patch of ice. As I lay waiting for help, I had no idea this moment would change my brother’s life. After surgery, I was on crutches for two months. So, instead of attending classes, I made a big decision: I moved back home for two weeks to help my brother with his eating habits.
Changing Eating Habits
I understood he needed to change his diet, but I worried about how to communicate that. Often, advice gets lost in translation, much like a game of telephone. Instead of just talking about it, I decided to take action. I would make every meal for him and teach him about good nutrition along the way.
Cooking Challenges
Cooking while on crutches was no picnic! I struggled with hot pans and sharp knives, all while managing the swelling in my ankle. But I was determined. After two weeks of cooking, the results were incredible! We changed his environment to support his goal.
Environment is Key
Here’s the secret: we made his environment work for him. By replacing unhealthy options with healthy ones, we transformed his nutrition effortlessly. We moved from the Standard American Diet (sadly known as SAD) to a wholesome, nutritious diet.
The Power of Removal
The beauty of this approach is that it reduces the need for willpower. If unhealthy snacks aren’t around, you can’t eat them! With no chips on the counter, you forget about them and avoid feeling deprived.
A Simple Strategy
It might sound too easy, but it works. When you remove barriers, like unhealthy food, your path to success becomes much clearer. For my brother, I was that supportive environment. I prepared his meals and snacks, answering all his questions along the way.
Minimize Tough Choices
To succeed, limit difficult decisions. Imagine walking into a room filled with temptations. On one side, delicious cookies; on the other, vibrant fruits and veggies. If you’re starving after sitting for hours, which one will you choose? Most of us would struggle to resist the cookies!
Find Your Trigger Foods
To avoid these tough choices, identify your trigger foods and promise not to keep them at home. This way, when cravings hit, the decision is already made. You can still enjoy these treats on special occasions, but don’t stockpile them at home.
Default to Healthy Eating
Make healthy eating your default. If your goal is to eat better, clear out junk food and give it to someone who doesn’t mind! This approach worked wonders for my brother, and it can work for you too.
Amazing Results
I had one rule during this transformation: my brother should never feel hungry or deprived. After just a week, he lost five pounds. By the second week, it was eight pounds. Even after I returned to my classes, he continued to succeed. After 20 days, he had lost ten pounds, and by 36 days, he averaged half a pound a day, totaling 18 pounds lost!
The Takeaway
If everyone could adjust their environment to support healthy habits, success would become the norm. My hope is that one day, this approach becomes a standard practice. Healthy eating can be easy, fun, and rewarding! So, go ahead, make your environment work for you. You’ll be amazed at how simple it can be!