Healthy Eating vs. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Congratulations. You've made the decision to eat healthy and get some exercise. You're not only going to feel better but also have a better quality of life because of your decision. You're leaving behind lots of fat, sugar, and caffeine, and your body is going to like that.

There's more to the story of longevity and good health in our lives. What we eat is only part of our health; attitude, mental health, background, family history, environmental exposures, physical activity, and other factors play into it too.

It's all about balance. You don't have to be perfect with your food all the time. Having a chocolate chip cookie or a morning mocha now and then isn't going to cause you to kick the bucket early. Remember moderation and balance in all aspects of your life.

Changing your lifestyle and eating habits can be tough. If you immediately say no to everything you've previously enjoyed, you can end up feeling deprived. This negative feeling can lead you to say "All is lost, I give up" when you slip up and have one cookie. Or it can have you thinking "This is too hard, I can't live this way, I give up". Feeling deprived is the downfall of many dieters.

The lesson here is to make lifestyle changes gradually. Try changing just one thing at a time and don't move on until that change has stuck. For instance, cut back gradually on your soda until you're totally on water. Gradually doing this helps you to not feel deprived and also helps with the withdrawal from caffeine and sugar. It's harder to stay with something if you're having serious withdrawal headaches and grumpiness.

Instead of dwelling on what you can't have, concentrate on adding things to your life to make it healthier and more satisfying. Add walking the dog around the park or playing hide and seek with your kids to your daily routine. Instead of thinking about that double cheeseburger you can't have, go to the movies or dancing with a loved one.

Remember balance. It is your life and you are free to make choices. You can choose to occasionally have your favorite treat, and when you do so, really enjoy it without guilt. Keep the big picture in mind - your good health - and you'll do just fine.