Well, here is the unabashed account of how I am slowly killing myself, as so many people are. We are what we eat, what we do, and the level of stress we carry. My body tells me things daily—things I really don’t like to hear—as it creates opposition between what I want to do and what I should be doing.

Every day, my body leans into healthy foods. I feel better with fresh foods, vegetables, fewer meats, organic choices, and more water. And yet, I am on my third cup of coffee as we speak.

I have begun to notice how I respond to healthier options. When I eat fresh berries with organic yogurt, I feel great. When I reach for fresh celery and carrots with hummus, I don’t slow down in the middle of the day. A fresh veggie wrap for lunch with lean sliced chicken keeps me going. Anytime I make other choices, I often get fatigued, have brain fog, sugar cravings all day, and stomach issues.

If I go out with friends and have one glass of wine, I am fine. If I have two or more—not so fine. My body tells me what I need to do.

If I step outside in the brisk, clean air just to have sunshine on my face and inhale deeply, my body reacts positively. If I stay in all day on the computer—not so much. When I go for a walk, I feel energized and more limber. I feel self-actualized. When I stay inside on Netflix or scrolling—not so much.

The body knows what it needs and even drives us toward these things, but somewhere in our higher-level programming in the brain, we intercept that message and shift the narrative to the easier choices, addictive choices, and unhealthy choices. They satisfy other cravings we have, or emotional needs.

So how do I, in the moment of decision-making, create a new habit of listening to my body and reinforcing good behaviors? I/you take a minute. Ask yourself:

• Does this serve me?

• Will I feel good if I do it?

• How does it help me reach my goals?

• Will it help me live longer?

If you make a more positive selection, ask yourself how you feel and reinforce it with positive dialogue:
“Peggy, way to go keeping those calories down and feeling great!”

It doesn’t have to be rocket science; it just needs to make sense—and your body will tell you. All you have to do is listen. Change one thing each day. Practice…

Let me know if you try this and how it works for you.

Peggy