Standard Process Purification Program- Day 17

Its Day 17 already and you know what that means…only 4 more days until this Program is over! From the feedback I have been getting, this program has really made a difference in your life and the choices you will make from here on out. And I couldn’t be happier! But remember feeling this good doesn’t have to end on Day 21! If you incorporate these new habits you are forming throughout your life, you are doing your body so much good! Maintaining your weight and staying healthy are lifelong commitments. Along the way you may run into road blocks that make your commitment difficult. Below are some ways to keep your challenges to a minimum.

1. Don't try to lose too much, too fast. If you begin to gain some of your weight back, it is tempting to try to lose more weight in a shorter timeframe. However, the safest way to lose weight is setting a goal of 1 to 2 pounds per week. That way you take the weight off and keep it off without "yo-yo" dieting.
2. Don't underestimate the number of calories/nutrients in food. Often we really don't know how many calories or nutrients are in foods. When in doubt, you can visit the USDA National Nutrient Database to look up any foods you're unsure about.
3. Prepare for social gatherings. When deciding to eat out, plan what you'll eat ahead of time so there's no guesswork when you arrive. Don't forget to drink water before you leave and while you're there so you don't mistake hunger for dehydration. If you're going to a place with appetizers to munch on, eat a healthy snack beforehand so you're not tempted. A healthy snack includes: baby carrots, celery sticks with 1Tbs. organic peanut butter, an apple, or a cup of grapes.
4. Dealing with feeling deprived/bored with the diet. Depriving yourself all the time of your favorite, albeit unhealthy, food may lead you back into unhealthy eating habits. It's okay to give in once in awhile and eat your favorite foods. But if you're just bored with your diet, try veggies and fruit you have never had before. Remember to eat a wide variety of foods; choice a rainbow of colors.
5. Reaching for processed or refined foods. These can be high in sugar, fat, and additives. Most of us use these foods for their convenience. Try to keep these foods out of the house so you won't be tempted. Review the menu before you go out to eat with friends so you can avoid these foods.
6. Drinking alcohol or caffeine. These kinds of drinks can be consumed in moderation, but many people find that drinking them can easily become habit forming.
7. Portion control. Portion control is all about how much a serving size is and how many calories a serving contains. Nutrient dense food gives the most nutrition per serving. Being able to visualize correct portions is hard when you first start. Here are some pointers when planning what to eat:

• Portion of carbohydrates should be one fistful (for example pasta)
• A potato serving is equal to the size of a standard computer mouse
• 1 cup strawberries, 1 cup broccoli, raw greens, or carrots are equal to the size of a baseball
• 1 oz. of hard cheese is equal to 1 domino
• 1/4 cup almonds or pistachios is equal to a golf ball
• 3 oz. of meat/poultry is equal to the size of a deck of cards
• 3 oz. of cooked fish is equal to the size of a checkbook
• 1 tablespoon of butter or salad dressing is equal to a poker chip

Let your body tell you when its full. Never feel like you have to eat everything on your plate. Eat slowly and enjoy the eating experience. If you are still hungry, pay attention to portion sizes so you'll know what foods to go back for.