"Nudges" help set you up for success   

 

     People (including me)  find it hard to believe that this is a picture of me.  This image was the result of decades of dieting.  My immune system was destroyed and I was ill all the time. I lived in a constant state of  inflammation that caused a great deal of physical pain.  I think my bottom finally came when I managed to get into my tub (I don't know what possessed me) only to be stuck in there despite trying everything I could think of to get out myself.and My arms couldn't lift me.  I was trapped.  Draining the water from the tub, I covered myself with a huge towel and screamed for help.  My husband rushed in with my sons.  It took all 4 of them to get me out.  I wanted to die. Yup, I went and ate.
     What was different this time (besides throwing out all the diet books and dead diet  foods) was that I set myself up for success.  "Nudges" was a term I learned in an environmental nutrition class (I thought it meant organic farming).   The idea is to set up your environment for success by creating a healthy enjoyable space.  It nudges you toward healthier choices.
  Uncluttering your surroundings is a great way to start.  Many of us are overrun with way more that we need or will ever use.  Some people have a sentimental attachment to everything they own.  They think that if they get rid of it they get rid of the memory.  I carry these memories in my heart.  Sometimes I take a photograph of an item or a piece of fabric and put in in a scrapbook with the wonderful story behind it.  It always makes me smile and I remember every detail. If you have 16  lipsticks you need to get rid of at least 14 of them.  There is a huge difference between want and need. Set out a book you've been wanting to read by your chair. A little thing like a lit candle can also go a long way toward nudging your way to health.  Men, this goes for you also.  What are some little things you enjoy? Trust me, it makes a huge difference.
     In the food category, there are many things you can do to make healthy nudges.  Make a lovely display of fruit for everyone to enjoy.  It also needs to be easily accessible.  I love that  grocery stores have adorable fruit displays that allowelps prepare  kids to help themselves to their choice of  free fruit.  
     As you slowly rid your environment of frankenfood (because nobody should be eating that garbage) replace these items with healthier organic versions of favorite snacks. Believe me, they are out there and taste so much better that the junk versions. Again, make them look appetizing and easily accessible.
Let the kids help prepare meals.  Making them a part of it nudges them to healthier eating habits.  It's amazing to me that it's the kids in many households that are in charge of what the family buys and eats.  I had customers like this all the time.
One nutritionist has her little one pick a different vegetable at the store each week.  They find out about it, decide on a recipe and  her five year old helps prepare it.
     Don't think I can't figure out what you're thinking.   "I'm way to busy to make time for this"!   Sorry Charlie, this is way to important for you not to make these things a priority.  Also, it creates an atmosphere of fun which is something we have forgotten. What's fun???
     "Nudges".  Just little things that will payoff big time.