Move Out to Move On

Reset. Do Over. New Day.

Ever use those terms when you are ready to start a new health plan? On the one hand, it feels good to have the motivation and drive to make choices that will benefit you. Goals are formed and schedules are made. Running shoes are purchased and produce shopping commences. This can feel invigorating.

On the other hand though, the new plan may feel overwhelming. Trying to turn everything on its head all at once could overload you. This also can be a setup for failure. It’s hard to think so many bad habits can be dropped all at once, and our dreams of bouncing on air while munching on a deliciously satisfying carrot, will happen effortlessly. So when you are ready to make some changes in your life, how about taking them in phases? Why not start one and get it going? After it fits in your daily routine, add the next. Sound good? Then here is a suggestion for the first – use it to lose it.

For one, this is a practice in decluttering. As I have said before, I believe decluttering could and should be a method for losing weight. How good do you feel when you finally clear up space? Take a tour of your kitchen right now. How long has the meat or meal been hogging space on the freezer shelf? How many times have you and the can of Garbanzo beans met eye to eye in the pantry? When will you finally make the vinaigrette from the bottle of grainy mustard (purchased solely for that reason) in the refrigerator?

After chucking all expired items, it is time to finally start using what you have. This could motivate you to cook something you have not made in a long time or it may inspire you to research a recipe using a particular ingredient. You never know, a new delicious dish may be discovered from this.

Using what you have means you are cooking, which causes healthier eating too. Instead of ordering take out or picking up when you already have a stocked kitchen, you are mindfully creating a dish where you know exactly what has gone into it. We all know how beneficial cooking your own food is to your health and waistline. Challenging yourself to use what you have keeps you in the know about exactly what is going in your mouth and how that is making you feel. Especially if you have food sensitivities, homemade meals can make you a professional food detective.

Another indirect weight loss strategy of mine makes my wallet feel bloated instead of my stomach. Purchasing a slew of produce, protein powder and all organic/low-carb/gluten-free/non-dairy/zero calorie items, can cost a serious amount of money. Spending a ton of cash on what may not be the best choices anyway, is not going to help anything. The fresh food will probably expire before you can eat all 10 pounds of vegetables and the expensive diet food may have your stomach tied up in knots, so be wary and check ingredients. Constantly bringing more food into the house, while not using what is already available, is a waste of money and a pile up of more stuff. (See above on clutter clearing.)

To wrap up, I give you a challenge. Move the food out, so you can move on! Defrost what you have and throw it in the oven, create a salad with unique ingredients and a special dressing, and clear out the pantry even if it means using one item a day. Your meals may start to look a little different – “Kids, tonight we are having sausage with a 5-bean chili and a frozen fruit treat as dessert!” – but kids love scavenger hunts, right? Get the family involved to clear out the same old. When you are down to those last frozen hamburger patties and bag of mixed vegetables, then you can start with a fresh grocery list. Until then, ever heard of roasted chickpeas as an afternoon snack? Delicious!

Let me know how your cooking challenge goes in the comments below. I would love to hear what you are serving!