The Power of Habits
Weight Loss, Health, and the Power of Habits
Habits are those things we do regularly without thinking. These patterns are set up and reinforced in the brain through repetition, day after day.
Feeding the dog, getting the mail, driving home from work—these are all patterns that become engrained so we can accomplish daily tasks (and get rewarded) without engaging the brain in decision-making.
How your brain works
When you do something pleasant—like eat something delicious—your body actually releases chemicals that go to your brain, carrying a message of pleasure or reward.
Eating unhealthily can literally be habit-forming. We are much more likely to repeat the behavior to get the pleasant reward again—because overly sweet, fat-laden processed foods send these powerful chemical messages to the brain.
Triggers
Habits are set in motion by triggers:
- We arrive at a familiar intersection - and we automatically turn left.
- We come home from work - and instinctively reach into the mailbox.
- The dog is waiting by his bowl - and we unconsciously reach to get his food out of the cabinet.
- We sit down for the big game on Sunday - and the chips and dips appear whether we're hungry or not.
Our habits determine our health
Small, simple things you do every day can either lead you toward disease, or toward optimal well-being and longevity.
Your Health Coach can help you create healthy habits that support your goals—one choice at a time!
Changing your habits, step by step:
- Incorporate choices that support Optimal Health into your daily routine.
- Make yourself aware of your daily choices that do not support health—without using negative self-talk or blame.
- Break the habit of nutritional pollution and give your body and brain a break by eating Medifast Meals.
- Think long term—make choices now that support health now and in the future.
- Create a microenvironment of health by decreasing your exposure to potential triggers.
Take Shape For Life makes no claim that these results are representative of all participants on the Take Shape For Life Program. Take Shape For Life recommends you consult with a physician before starting a weight-loss program. Individual results will vary. Fullness Index is a satiety calculation based on a food's fiber, protein, and calorie content. The equation is: (grams of protein per serving + grams of fiber per serving) x 100, divided by number of calories per serving. The higher the number, the more fullness is derived from each calorie. BeSlim® Club Membership: Minimum purchase of $150 required to qualify for free standard shipping offer. First orders over $250 receive 28 free meals. Second orders over $250 receive an additional 28 free meals. See the BeSlim® Club terms and conditions for complete details.
