Healthchat

Conversations about optimal health.


Say “No” to Diets and “Yes” to Habits

Take it from someone who has tried lots of diets, fasts, reducing centers and support groups for weight loss. I am a foodie. I love cooking shows and collecting cookbooks. I love cooking new recipes and feeding my friends and family. I even enter baked goods in the local fair and win awards. Does that mean that I will always be an unhealthy overeater who has to be on a diet for the rest of my life? The answer is a resounding “no”!!!

On this side of the diet life I now know that putting good habits into my day will help me to optimal health and wellness. Here is today’s habit that I am currently working on.

>1. Sleep. 7 to 8 hours per night. I go to bed before midnight and wake up 7 to 8 hours later. I have energy for the day. If you have a challenge with getting to sleep at night turn off all screens an hour before you go to bed. There are great herbal teas that you can drink in the evening to foster relaxation. My husband takes an herbal sleep gummy that helps him to get to sleep. Personally I go to sleep easily after reading a personal development book. Explore what it will take for you to put this habit into place. I don’t recommend any drugs or supplements that interrupt your sleep cycles.

Link your sleep to other evening activities. For example, I keep my book and reading glasses on my bedside table and the goal is to read for at least 10 minutes before I go to sleep. I also have a daily reminder on my phone about 30 minutes before bedtime. A great book to read on developing good habits is, Atomic Habits by James Clear. However, if you keep it next to your bedside it may be hard to read just 10 minutes before sleep.

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