It started with a routine visit to the doctor. On this visit, I was to receive the results from blood tests I had a few days prior. The results were less than optimal. My cholesterol and triglycerides were very high. The doctor told me that if I didn\'t lose weight and get my cholesterol and triglycerides under control, I was a prime candidate for a heart attack. She said, "You can do this. It\'s just a matter of getting into a healthy mindset of diet and exercise." This statement resonated with me. Mindsets and watching my thoughts were not new to me. I have been steering my mind away from negative thoughts for years. Perhaps if I treated unhealthy thoughts the same way, I could stick to a healthy lifestyle. So the journey began.
That was twelve weeks ago. I discovered quite a few interesting things so far. Yes, changing one\'s diet is challenging, but it is much easier with cognitive awareness. I became aware of when I was thinking about eating something unhealthy. I immediately changed my thoughts to something else. It works. After all, you don\'t just mindlessly get up, open the fridge, cut a slice of cheese cake and eat it. Everything you do begins with a thought. It starts, "cheesecake...mmm...". Then, from the first thought seed, it will build into more thoughts of the same nature, until, you are eating that cheesecake, unless you bring awareness to the situation. Awareness of your unhealthy thoughts is the first step to health. It really is the same as happiness- Awareness of negative trains of thought gives you an opportunity to switch your attention onto something more positive. It\'s the same with unhealthy thoughts. When you become aware of them, you can redirect your mind. The less I indulged in those unhealthy thoughts, the easier it became to make healthier food choices. I have lost 30 lbs so far. I choose healthy whole foods over processed food. This is the beginning of a whole new journey of health for me. Be happy and healthy, my friends!
Laura Barrette Shannon
