Breaking Bad

Habits: And 30 days to breaking a bad habit

Almost every day for the past six months or so, I've indulged in some sweet treat. As good as it may taste, I assume that it can't be good for my body's appearance or my health. But in what ways are sweets actually effecting my health?

I did a little research:

 You may get a sugar high and high-calorie intake from sweets, but they rarely provide any nutrition, according to Women's Health article, "Curb Your Sweet Tooth." 

A 2005 study led by psychology professor Bart Hoebel Ph.d., revealed that eating sugar releases the neurotransmitters that activate the brain's pleasure receptors. Addictive drugs also activate these same neurotransmitters, called opioids. 

Sugar can also cause tooth decay. The longer sugar sits on your teeth, the more susceptible you are to tooth decay and cavities. For more information on tooth health and good sweets versus bad sweets for your teeth, visit knowyourteeth.com.

You're probably thinking, "I've heard these things a million times," but the fact is that your body relies on you completely. It can only function as well as you treat it. Next time you think about drinking a soda or eating a sweet, ask yourself "Is this helping my body reach its full potential? Is this going to give me optimum health and appearance?" If not, don't put your body through it. 

I have decided to do a "30 day challenge" without sweets and soda. I've mustered up some motivation, a few tips on breaking habits & healthy snack alternatives from various sources to aid me on my journey: 

On breaking a bad eating habit

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-steps-to-changing-bad-eating-habits

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/weight-loss/plans/diets/break-bad-eating-habits/

http://skinnychef.com/blog/changing-bad-eating-habits

http://blog.lifestrength.com/2012/06/26/9-bad-eating-habits-and-how-to-break-them/

On healthy snack alternatives

                                       

bananas                            
asparagus                             
peanut butter

apples                             
broccoli                                  
almonds

pineapple                         
carrots                                      
edamame beans

cantaloupe                      
squash                                   
plain greek yogurt with muesli 

frozen grapes   
zucchini                                  
protein shake                       

spinach                                 
veggie or fruit smoothies

On motivation: 

       

  

                

                                              

If you'd like to join me on a "30 day challenge" of your own, you are free to take these tips along your journey, too! Let me know if you have any questions or need an extra boost of motivation...I'll try to come up with something to help! I'll be updating once a week or so to reflect on how it's going...

"What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it."

Good luck!

xoxo--Kris

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/best-workout-for-your-body-type