Human Living Experiment - Habits can be tricky

Yesterday was a start to a new journey.  Well, sort of.  If you haven't read my post about the Human Living Experiment you can see it here:  http://ampedfitness.blogspot.com/2011/05/human-living-experiment.html.  In either case, no matter what the goal we're all going to find pitfalls.  And pitfalls, mind you, can be extremely taxing when it comes to focusing on weight loss.

But, they can also be the stubbling block turned stepping stone that promotes a stronger, more disciplined version of you.  I like to use the term, "trial by fire".  So how does one turn a pitfall into an opportunity - in this case, for weight loss?

It's through the utilization of simple tricks.  Everyone knows that we are creatures of habit (http://www.spring.org.uk/2009/09/how-long-to-form-a-habit.php).  The problem with a habit is that it becomes a subconcious reality for us - we don't think twice about eating that final piece of pizza.  It's yummy, so why not take it out? 

This is where the tricks come in.  For me, my pitfall comes at night.  I can be tracking my calories, eating what I need to fuel and nourish my body, but when 7PM rolls around I get HUNGRY.  Or do I?  Honestly, I don't.  It's my mind being so used to eating at night.  I can easily eat dinner and then an hour later go take out a slice of pizza, a little later - why not that slice of whole wheat bread with butter?  As you can see, it all adds up.  The trick?  Post a note on the cupboard, or better yet - go brush your teeth.  Do something that breaks the subconcious action of eating that extra bite.  After that, when you're mind is playing tricks on you, go look at a role model.  For some of us guys its Arnold in his prime, it can be anybody, but when you see their physique your mind will understand what it took to get to that moment, and if they can do it - why can't you?

Find your own tricks, make them work for you.  If a habit really only does take 20 days to make, but 60 days to break - it can be a long ride, but a more manageable one too. 

By the way, the reason for this post - yesterday was a hard day for me, especially at night.  Hopefully this will help some of you and will help me stay a little more committed :) .