Sam Wood: How to make good food choices

If you have no control around food, read this.

When you first start your health journey, you may find it hard to steer clear of temptation and stick to your guns when it comes to making good food choices.

You may even find it laughable when people who are farther along in their journey tell you that they honestly prefer healthy foods but, I promise you, that will eventually be you, too. I know it can seem like the mental battle to resist the Cadbury or put down the Pringles will never end, but before you know it the cravings will be gone and your tastebuds will have adapted to all the good stuff.

There’s no denying that discipline can play a huge part in healthy eating. The good news is that as you get farther along in your healthy lifestyle, it does become easier to choose the healthy option and simply say no. This isn’t going to happen overnight, so if you’re feeling a little stuck and struggling to make the right choices, here are some tips that may help you on your way.

• Remove any temptations from the house

You want to eventually get to the point where you can treat yourself to a scoop of ice-cream without finishing the entire tub. I know that for some people, practising self-control simply isn’t possible in the beginning. As you strengthen your assertiveness muscle and know when and how to stop, balance will come and you won’t risk overdoing it. Until you get to this point, however, sometimes it’s easiest to simply remove temptation.

Remove the junk food, processed crap, alcohol or whatever it is that sets you back, and this way you will be less tempted to indulge in your vices.

• Rally up support

Weight loss can be a rollercoaster of a journey, so it’s important that your friends, family and loved ones support you on your journey. Make sure you talk openly about what you are trying to achieve and let them know how much it would mean to you if they supported you and helped you achieve your goals.

Remember your why

This is so important. When motivation dwindles, and it will, after all, you’re only human, remember to ask yourself why you are on this journey. When temptation strikes remember your why. The craving will pass but the satisfaction of achieving your goals will be sweetener than ever, particularly when you know you’ve persevered through testing times to get there.

• Trust the process

I am constantly reminding my 28ers to trust the process and know that big changes don’t happen overnight. One healthy meal and workout won’t give you a six-pack, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be proud of these because they all take you a step closer to where you need to be. Take it one meal, one workout and one day at a time and have confidence that each and every meal and workout is doing something positive for your mind and body.

We all over-indulge or slip up from time to time, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you occasionally overdo it on the bread basket or find your hand deep in the box of favourites. You’re human, it happens. The most important thing is that you don’t let this be the beginning of the end. Make your next snack/meal a healthy one and get right back on track.