Stages of Change: Action

Lights! Camera!

ACTION!!

Are you ready?! Here we go!

Smart Recovery New England defines the action phase of the change process as the stage where people overtly modify their behavior and surroundings, they make the move for which they have been preparing. It requires the greatest commitment of time and energy of all the previous stages.

All the contemplation, preparation, time, and energy are now being put to the test. Will you encounter hiccups? For sure. But, like we discussed last week, if you have prepared, you are decreasing your risk of failing. Does this ensure failure will not occur? No. But, again, you are decreasing your risk.

When someone is dieting, they are often coached on events that may derail them. Parties, holidays, travel, to name a few. The best techniques or practices are now second nature to me, but to newbies, they can be revolutionary. For example, if you tend to overeat at a party, your best bet is to eat a solid meal before you go to the party. The theory is that you won't be hungry and will eat less while at the party. Works for some, not for everyone. Holidays? Bring a dish you know you can eat and enjoy. We brought mashed cauliflower to Thanksgiving one year. We enjoyed it....and had leftovers. I wonder why? :)

These are all actionable behaviors to prepare us and set us up for success. Do I still take mashed cauliflower to Thanksgiving? No, but I make it at home several times a year when I'm craving mashed potatoes. I almost always bring a dish that I enjoy and know is healthy for me to a gathering with other people.

These things take time, but with practice, you build on your past successes and are able to make better choices moving forward.

This is also a good place to mention that I keep a few things sacred. For example, I do enjoy Oreo cookies. I allow myself to have them, usually, whenever I donate blood. It's my after-donation snack to ensure I don't faint. If I stick to the recommended schedule of donation, I get Oreos several times a year! My husband and I enjoy a good cocktail every once in awhile. However, when we're in Hawaii, we only drink Mai-Tai's. What I mean to say is that even though we enjoy Mai-Tai's, we only allow ourselves to drink them while we are in Hawaii. It keeps them special and also limits our intake! We mostly keep to this rule....occasionally we will have a sip here or there. The rum and tropical juices with the little umbrella take me back to a warm beach in the middle of the Pacific....I digress.

Action! Are you ready?! What are your action steps?