(3/2020) Thinking positive about becoming healthy is a good way to put you in the right mindset to lose weight, improve your health and your mood. The word diet really refers to what you eat but so many people associate it with loosing weight and depriving yourself of foods you enjoy. I like to call it a healthy eating program. It is true that if you want to lose weight you do have to alter what you have been eating that put the extra weight on you, but you do not have to cut out everything you enjoy. One of the most admitted reasons for the extra weight is portion size not necessarily type of food. Weight loss and positive thinking can go hand and hand in getting you to a healthy way of eating that you can maintain for a lifetime.

In today's busy lifestyle we find ourselves eating more fast and processed food than generations before us. They ate fresh food from their gardens or the corner farmer's market. They went to the butcher shop and bought fresh meat. Today people eat frozen dinners or meals from a box or a fast food restaurant more than ever before. There is nothing wrong with these convenience foods once in a while when you have a busy schedule but this type of food has become the normal meal for many people.

Planning your week’s meals in advance does take a little extra time but is well worth it for your health and for your family. You can even make it a family time and include everyone so even the picky eaters get a say in what's for dinner. Once you get in the habit of preparing fresh food it will not be such a chore and you will see the benefits in how you feel and it may even lower your blood work numbers that will make your doctor happy.

Watching your portion size can be hard at first but with positive thinking and making small changes instead of depriving yourself you may even see your weight slowly go down. I know we all want to see the pounds drop off quickly but making little changes and loosing slowly is a good way to keep the pounds off. The change may be hard at first but it should be thought of as just a sensible way of eating.

Now that you are thinking positive about food and changing your health you can enjoy how much better you feel. Not only will this lifestyle change improve your physical health it can also improve your mood and outlook on life. When you get a good nights sleep and wake up feeling rested you look forward to the day. The same thing will happen when you eat well, think positive and exercise. You know you are taking care of yourself and that just makes you feel good.

Thinking positive, eating better and living well all go together. Making these changes will not come over night and will not be easy but they will be well worth it. Incorporating these things in your life will make you a good example for your family and hopefully set a good model for your children so they do not face the health issues many people face today. Obesity, diabetes, heart disease and depression are some of the health problems facing many people today. We always want better for our children and future generations and we can show them how to have a healthier future by being a good role model when it comes to food, exercise and positive thinking.

Remember to keep moving, you'll be happy you did.