Organizing your Food World
The number one statement I hear during the day is, “if I could just get my food organized, all would be well.” Organizing your food in terms of shopping, preparation and bringing food with you on errands, to the office, and on trips is a big part of having success with weight and health management. This strategy keeps you safe from consuming other types of foods you probably don’t even want or need as well as saving you time from having to figure out where to get something in a pinch.
At first it may seem hard, but establishing a new paradigm of shopping, preparing your meals, or even doing a little cooking if you aren’t used to it can be daunting, even intimidating. However, learning a new skill for the rest of your life to increase your vitality, assist with weight loss or reduction of disease is worth every effort and pays high dividends.
Incorporating a new routine into your daily life will consist of making a food list for the meals and snacks you will need, putting them into your planner and mapping out the stores to obtain those items. Sometimes this requires shopping at several different grocery stores to gather all necessary staples. Consistency with meal planning is one of the keys to success.
An R.D. colleague, Bonnie Modugno, uses Maslow’s hierarchy of needs when teaching her clients about the importance of meal planning. Oddly enough, many people in our society put more emphasis into work and other endeavors without learning how to properly feed and nourish their bodies. If you are familiar with Maslow’s pyramid, the foundational section encompasses basic physiological needs such as breathing, food, water, sex, and sleep. If these basic needs are not fulfilled, then the higher levels of the pyramid don’t come into play such as safety needs (financial security, health and well-being), social needs (friendship, intimacy and having a good family) or growth needs (self-actualization).
Our society tries to put the safety, social or growth needs before the basic physiological needs. No wonder disease and obesity are higher than ever in this country. Coming back to basics and staying present to what you need to eat every few hours, how much to eat to be satisfied, and resting when you are tired could solve a plethora of problems.
If you are interested in hiring an organizational consultant to assist you with organizing your food, please visit www.organizationbeyondtoday.com
Copyright 2010 Susan B. Dopart, M.S., R.D.
