This is me trying to replace a bad habit with one that still provides me with gratification, but that actually does something FOR my body, rather than working against it! Those of you who know me, know I appreciate a good glass of wine! But lately I’ve noticed that the occasional indulgence is not so “occasional” and I’m feeling it; lethargic, lack of energy in the morning, trouble sleeping, etc. Coming home, pouring myself a glass of wine and “taking a load off” has become more of a mindless habit rather than the special treat I used to enjoy once-and-awhile.  And honestly, I don’t think I’m appreciating “good wine” as much as I used to! So rather than completely deny myself, I’m trying to make a conscious decision to indulge less.

The first step in replacing a bad habit with a good one is to IDENTIFY the habit and the TRIGGER. For me, pulling onto my street after a long day has been my “trigger.” Before I know it, that desire to “relax,” the “I deserve this” mentality from playing referee and negotiating with toddlers after hours of commuting, leaves me wanting instant gratification – a nice glass of wine will do right?!

So, here I am working to replace my glass of wine with sparkling La Croix. Now it’s just a matter of mindset and perception; telling myself “I deserve” this ice cold sparkling beverage and taking a moment to truly enjoy it, put my feet up, and decompress. All I have to do is make an intentional choice; train my mind, so when I turn down my street my mind associates feelings of gratification with La Croix, instead of wine.

Maybe your “wine” is chocolate, or potato chips, or Starbucks. Truth is you don’t really “need” it, what you are truly craving is the emotional high or “reward” that society has told us should be associated with a specific food, treat, or indulgence. Can you imagine if beach resorts advertised pictures of couples sitting by the water with a giant broccoli floret in one hand instead of an ice cold beer? Or if magazines advertised women relaxing on a bed of carrot sticks instead of wrapped in chocolate colored satin sheets as they do in ads for dark chocolate? Thanks advertising agencies for trying to manipulate our minds to associate a chocolate popsicle with the euphoric feelings of sex!

Think about it, what’s one “habit” you have gotten yourself into and you really want to figure a way out? I’d love to hear about it! And maybe we can keep each other accountable… you with your habit and me with my La Croix! 😉