The Rituals of Weight Loss: Installing Healthy Habits

by Mariana Bozesan

We can't force ourselves to change anymore than we can force a plant to grow. If change is to come into our lives, it must be treated as a living thing. The decision to change is like a seed and it's a seed that needs to be watered, sheltered and loved through the cultivation of good habits. Only then can it take root and become a real part of our lives.

In order for new, positive behaviors to take hold, we have to do them until they become second nature. Positive reinforcement coupled with healthy new eating habits is the most powerful formula for creating a new way of life. As we master these new habits, it is no longer necessary to think about them so much for they are now a part of our daily rituals.

Here are ten effective new habits from Diet for a New Life (hyperlink to subscribe to website) that can be introduced into your day-to-day routine. These helpful hints and many more are available in Diet for a New Life. A valuable online network comprised of expert opinions in weight loss and overall well-being, solution driven testimonials and many other advantages. You can join by simply clicking the above link to be introduced to a wealth of knowledge and information to assist you on your path to lasting weight loss. Don’t hesitate - start the first day of the rest of your life now! As you successfully implement each one of these, notice how it affects your overall sensibilities about food and eating:

1. Nature: Make sure that 70 percent of what you eat still "remembers Mother Earth." In other words, the food should be unprocessed, high-water-content items that are still in an natural state such as fruits and vegetables.


2. Water: Drink a glass of water at room temperature or preferably a green drink before your meal. That will help you to eat less while also getting the best alkalizing nutrients and energy.


3. Celebration: Every time you realized that you were satiated and managed to stop eating by pushing your plate away jump up and celebrate your success. Celebration and the feeling of pride will send your brain the empowering signal that you are committed to change your disempowering eating habits and are ready to adopt a higher standard.


4. Awareness: When you eat, just eat. Don’t read, watch TV, drive, listen to music or talk on the phone. Do as Dr. Dean Ornish and the great teacher Tich Nat Han advise and make eating a meditation. This will maximize the experience of taste and help you hear your body when it signals that it is satiated.


5. Love Food: Eat only when you are hungry and your stomach is empty, however do not wait until you are hungry. Assess your hunger level before you start eating. All this will maximize your enjoyment of the food.


6. Discipline: Don't eat food as you're preparing it or while you're cleaning up—either yours, your children or partner's. Do not become a human garbage can.


7. Chewing well: Make sure you take a fresh bite only after the previous one has reached your stomach and chew each bite 30 times.
8. Eat moderately: Dr. Deepak Chopra¹ recommends starting with about two cups of food for the first helping. After finishing that, he advises waiting for five minutes before deciding whether or not you want more.


9. Hot water: For weight loss success, try the ancient Aruveydic technique of sipping hot water with ginger and lemon in it every thirty minutes throughout the day. You'll be amazed at the results.
10. Conquer cravings: For strong urges to overeat, keep in mind that compulsive eating can actually relate to the loss of an ability to enjoy food. Taking digestive enzymes, slowing down, savoring your food and listening to your body's signals will help to overcome even the most powerful cravings. And remember, when you deal with a food craving successfully—celebrate it!