Starting with More, Not Less

I am going to start with more this time around, not less.

If I plan on more of the "right" things first, I will not feel restricted.

I also think that if I include more of the "right" things, that I will start to feel better first.

So, what do I mean by more...

I will...

...drink more water every day.

...eat more fruits and vegetables every day.

...move more each every day.

I can celebrate successes all through the day...

6:30 a.m. Had a tangerine with breakfast ... pat on the back!

7:45 a.m. Walked around the block ... high five!

9:00 a.m. Drank a glass of water ... happy dance!

11:10 a.m. Parked on the far side of the parking lot ... skip in my step!

11:15 a.m. Chose a salad over a sandwich at Urbane Cafe ... good on ya, mate!

The little successes add up over time.

If I do these three things starting NOW...I will begin to feel better about myself immediately.

Feeling better about yourself gives you motivation and confidence.

A natural consequence of these behaviors is that they will help me to make better choices going forward.

If I eat a tangerine at breakfast, I will get natural vitamins and fiber which will make me feel better.

If I drink a glass of water, I will be hydrated which will make me feel better.

If I go for a short walk, I will stretch my muscles and get some fresh air which will make me feel better.

Feeling better can start a cycle of positive feedback. If I feel good, I want to feel it more often.

The behaviors are self-rewarding.

None of these things will make me feel bad...

So many other approaches begin with restrictions or activities that are hard to maintain or hurt.

That sucks...

So...start with more (of the right things) so you feel better first, then consider other changes.