The Why

For example, a lot of what we eat doesn’t come from a place of nutrition. Instead, what we eat tends to have a lot to do with how we feel.

When we’re happy, we eat a brownie.

When we’re sad, we reach for the whole tray of brownies.

It doesn’t matter if we’re hungry or not. We eat. And a lot of people (and I used to be this way, so don’t accuse me of getting preachy on you) just eat out of simple boredom.

A brownie, for most of us, is often legitimately just something to do.

Being mindful about WHY you eat, on the other hand, puts the nutritional factorial back into the equation. If you are upset and start reaching into the snack cabinet, take a breath, and ask yourself: why?

The Power of Habit

Eating mindfully is one of those habits that can make a big difference very quickly. Honestly, most of our program members come in never having given a second of thought as to WHY they eat what they eat. And once those roots are uncovered, you can see the revelation almost visibly on their faces.

And this principle is never so powerful than during times when you’ve fallen off the wagon. If you go to a party and eat something you shouldn’t, ask yourself, “Why?” Why did you eat that? Did you intend on eating that thing the whole time on the drive there? Or did something specific trigger the urge to break your diet? How much of it had to do with who you with? Or was it for another reason?

Whatever that reason is, use the little failures as bricks, one by one, to build your huge successes. Again, it gets back to one of life’s most important lessons…

It’s never about perfection.

No, it’s always about progress.

And you can’t have progress without little hiccups on the way. When you’ve fallen off, take a moment to find the reason behind the fall, dust yourself off, and then climb right back onto that wagon.

After all, you have an amazing journey ahead of you!

The post Why Falling Off the Wagon Can Actually be a Good Thing appeared first on Wellness Training Institute.

I recently got back from my first trip to Europe. I had a lot of apprehension about a number of things. At the top of that list, as someone who’s on a completely plant-based diet, was… what was I going to eat?

Here are five things I learned about how to maintain your dietary transition while you’re traveling.

1. Plan Ahead

There are two main elements to this step. First, mentally, remember why you are eating the way you are in the first place. What’s your “why” for making—and continuing—healthy changes in your life?

Secondly, you’re going to need to eat, so you’re going to need an actual, actionable plan. Failure will rarely happen if you’ve got your mind right, and part of your preparation may take a little research and list-making.

Just go in prepared and you should be good to go!

2. Research restaurant/menu options

In all but a very few cases, you should be able to find something healthy on the menu to order either as is or with slight modification. But it’s always a good idea to prepare ahead of time and make sure you go in with a plan.

At a restaurant, order fish or chicken with no sauces or breading (if you’re eating meat, at all) and steamed vegetables. Even better, you can just load up on vegetables!

You can also order a salad with no cheese (substitute avocado), processed meat, or dressings. Make your own dressing by asking for olive oil and vinegar or a lemon, and then season with salt and pepper.

Also: Don‘t be afraid to ask for your meal to be prepared the way you want it.

3. Buy and prepare your own food

If farmers markets or grocery stores are available—this will depend on where you’re traveling, of course!—do your shopping there. If you’re in the grocery store, stay to the periphery of the store where the fresh, organic food is. Avoid the processed foods in the aisles. And if you’re in a place with new-to-you fruits and vegetables, get a little adventurous. Diving into the local (healthy) food is often one of the best ways to explore a new culture.

4. Stay hydrated

A lot of the time, people snack because they’re actually just thirsty. So, make sure you have plenty of water available, no matter where you are.

Also, your body needs water. So, drink enough of it.

Avoid sodas or sugary drinks at all costs.

5. If you mess up, don’t beat yourself up

This one is pretty self-explanatory, but I want you to hear it anyway. If you fall off your diet, pick yourself up and do it better again tomorrow. Part of the joy of traveling is entering into the unknown, even if it’s just a little different than normal. So, because of this, you’ll find yourself in situations that might not be entirely conducive to maintaining your nutritional plan.

If you fall off, don’t let it ruin your day. Just get back on, reaffirm your “why,” and go back to enjoying your trip!

The post 5 Ways to Maintain Your Diet While Traveling appeared first on Wellness Training Institute.