I read somewhere recently a rule of thumb that was simple and profound at the same time: “Short term actions and long term results are often opposite.” I think this principle can be applied to many aspects of our lives, especially healthy eating.
Think about it: If I sit on the couch and dig in to a gallon of cold, sweet, flavorful cookie-dough ice cream while watching TV for 8 hours instead of going outside (Hey, sue me, it was Shark Week) then what happens? In the short term I am happy as a pig in mud. I am comfortable, content, and my tongue is LOVING it. What happens in the long term? I become physically weaker, fatter, and less healthy. I am lacking in Vitamin D from not getting sunshine. My wife eventually finds me unattractive and leaves me for the mailman, who plays volleyball on the beach in his spare time instead of watching great white sharks rip the living CRAP out of seals. MAN, I LOVE SHARK WEEK. Sorry.
So let’s flip this equation on its head. Instead of sitting on the couch watching the greatest cinematic endeavor ever known to mankind that is Shark Week, I decide to eat a can of tuna fish and a huge handful of raw carrots. When I’m done eating I walk down to the pool and swim laps for a while (after waiting 30 mins of course). Short term: I am craving some sweet, cold ice cream. The tuna and carrots taste barely adequate. Swimming is less fun than watching shark week. Long term: I am lean, healthy, and I feel great. My wife doesn’t even NOTICE the mailman because I’m a chiseled STUD.
See how this works? Doing the hard thing now means life will be easy later. This Master Your Life series will consist a lot of simple short-term changes you can make to see some dramatic long term results.
Just to whet your appetite, I’m going to give you your FIRST task of the week. Your mission: replace one unhealthy snack per day with these healthy alternatives:
Unsalted pretzels
Applesauce
Low-fat yogurt with fruit
Unbuttered and unsalted popcorn
Broccoli, carrots, or cherry tomatoes with dip or low-fat yogurt
Grapes
Apple slices with peanut butter
Raisins
Nuts
Graham crackers
Gingersnap cookies
Low- or reduced-fat string cheese
Baked whole-grain tortilla chips with salsa
Whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk
Do this daily until it becomes a habit. Check in tomorrow for Master Your Life: Part 2…where I’ll reveal 10 easy changes to your routine that will shed pounds and leave you feeling healthier and happier in the long run. Now, turn off Shark Week and GO OUTSIDE!
About Patrick Sanders
[...] the Healthy Eating Tips Series. Did you implement the tips from Part 1? If you didn’t, then go back and check it out and replace at least ONE SNACK A DAY with the suggestions that I made earlier. In the last [...]