Sounds easy, right? Out with the old and in with the new.
But what did Pudd "N" Head Wilson say? "Habit is habit and not to be flung out the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time.?
I've heard it said that it takes 21 straight days of doing something different to make it a new habit.
Well, I've done that and it didn't work. I exercised 5 days a week for 2 years and first chance I got to quit, I did.
One study showed it took an average of 66 days before the behavior becomes automatic. The study was not conclusive. Some subjects made a permanent change in 18 days while others took a grueling 245 days.
Discouraging?
Yes -- but change takes time.
So, I've decided to look at this differently. One big change such as my goal to regain my health takes many small changes. I will break it down into bite sizes instead of swallowing the whole concept in one big greedy gulp.
1) Cut out sodas
2) Cut out fried foods
3)Reduce portion sizes
4)Eat more vegetables
5)Walk 30 minutes a day
There is no quick fix. Instead of 21 days to achieve my goal I have elected to take 365 days. I'll report back to you in 2013 with the final results.
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