Join me as I take you on a trip to the grocery store.
I walk into the store with excitement… I actually like shopping for food instead of mindlessly following my fiance around department stores. I have in hand my list/game plan of ingredients I need to complete my meal prep. I take one step in and instantly want to head to the ice cream aisle, sugar coma relapse. 99 times out of 100 I’m usually successful in avoiding this scenario.
After my internal battle, I pick out the fresh fruits and vegetables that made the game plan. Next is lean protein sources, eggs, whole grain breads and brown rice. I find all these items on the outside walls of the store. This is where all the fresh, nutritious, non-processed foods are located. These foods do not have bar codes or nutrition labels on them. These are clean foods that I know will serve my body well and help me reach my goals.
After avoiding eye contact with all the sweets and agreeing with the pints of ice cream that we need to start seeing other people, I place my items on the belt and checkout. I have finally made it home and have again put myself in an environment for successful nutrition.
See, if I avoid the junk foods with high caloric content and loads of added sugar I have automatically put myself in an environment to succeed. I may still have my cravings throughout the week, my evil temptations to mindlessly snack on something sweet or savory while watching the football game, but by simply not buying those food items I have won. I cannot eat something that isn’t in my fridge or pantry.
Why it’s important
Our environment shapes our lives. It can determine the way we think and our decision making which can alter our paths for better or worse. Obviously if my environment is a positive one, one that aligns with my goals that I want to achieve, then I am more likely to make great decisions on a day to day basis. If my environment is a negative one, you guessed it, I’m more likely to make some not so good decisions.
I am a believer in the thought that we can create our own environment. This is especially true when it comes to nutrition. We create our nutritional environment by the decisions we make while shopping in the grocery store as well as if and when we go out to eat. If my goal is to lose weight, cut fat, and/or gain muscle lean mass then it is simply based on the environment that I put myself in which will aid in positive decision making.
