Managing Inherited Behaviors
Ice cream is still my favorite food. It has been my favorite food my entire life, as far back as I can recall.
I firmly believe that my fondness for ice cream is sewn into my DNA as strongly as the color of my eyes. My parents were ice cream fans, hence, the inherited “ice cream gene.”
So, what am I doing about it? We all know that ice cream is loaded with sugar, fat, empty calories, and provides no nutritional value whatsoever. I’ve tried “the cream provides calcium” reasoning. Lame.
We all have strong ties to some foods, behaviors, and ideas that we’ve grown up with. Think about it. What do you “blame” your family for?
Back to my “ice cream gene” behavior. Since I know that ice cream is a food that does not serve my health in a positive way, I’ve curtailed my consumption. If I were perfect, I would kick it out totally.
News Flash: I am not perfect, just ask Mr. Non-Compliant. I’ve been known to sneak a few of his M&M’s. There are some days I forget to eat a vegetable. Life Happens.
What I do is MANAGE my behavior in a way that better serves me. If I were to totally deny myself the pleasure of the occasional ice cream habit, the day would come that I’d go off the deep end and eat an entire half-gallon in one sitting. Not a good idea.
By carefully choosing when to enjoy my favorite food, I am still able to tie into all those great childhood memories that make me happy, and not feel deprived.
I DO NOT NEED ICE CREAM EVERYDAY. I used to think I did.
This, my dear reader, is progress. And this is how we manage those foods and behaviors that feel like they are such a strong part of who we are.
Incorporating our identity into ways that help us live and play full out is the ticket. It takes some creativity, and that is where I can help.
Together we achieve whatever it is that’s important for your health and well-being, in a way that is sustainable for you. I don’t do diets. I do “eat the best way for YOU.”
Let me know if you’d like to learn more about how we can work together. It begins with a complimentary conversation that dials into your unique “ice cream gene” traits.
Much love,
Carol
“Food is not rational. Food is culture, habit, craving and identity.”—Jonathan Safran Foer