How to Get Rid of Fattening Habits?

From the moment we wake up until we close our eyes for sweet sleep, our days are filled with numerous habits. Without coffee and cake, I cannot start my day... I need something sweet at the end of every meal... There's nothing like chocolate/ice cream/snacks in the evening... And when I get home, there's no way I'm going out for a walk. This is the power of habit. Despite the desire for positive change, we continue doing what we are accustomed to and expect different results. We buy "slimming" tea and miracle pills, eat only cabbage and whole bread, walk with a friend every Shabbat evening, and really try to follow the "diet" instructions. We might lose a kilo here and 5 kilos there, or even much more. But why does it always come back to the same place, or even more? Because the power of habit hasn't changed, not even slightly. We return to the same fattening habits. Every Shabbat, I bake (or buy) 2 sweet challahs (or cakes), just in case, and there's always dessert at home because guests might come and the snacks are "only" for the kids. And so on, we'll always find a reason not to change a habit, which ultimately makes us and the kids gain weight, not the guests. So what do we do? We change. It's not simple, but it's worth it! It's an opportunity to experience how changing a habit can lead to a change in weight and overall health. But are you afraid of the change you need to make? Does it seem overwhelming? Well, set your mind at ease. I'm happy to inform you that if you've decided change is the way for you, a rewarding experience awaits that leads to good results. There's no need for extreme or major changes to achieve success. Just make a small change once in a while, and over time, these changes will bring you to a healthier, slimmer place.

How to Start?

Keep a food diary for a day or two. Record the meals you've eaten, the coffee you've drunk, the snacks and drinks you've consumed on that day. Based on reviewing your daily routine, decide on 3 fattening habits you'd like to change (for example, the cake in the morning, cookies in the afternoon, and soda in the evening), and adopt 3 healthier habits to incorporate into your routine. Instead of morning cake – a quick and healthy meal like a healthy sandwich with cottage cheese or a fresh fruit with a few almonds. Instead of cookies with coffee – yogurt and bran flakes, and instead of soda in the evening – go for a 30-minute walk in the neighborhood and drink water. And just like that, with a small decision, you've made a change that can lead to sustainable results. If it feels good, eliminate more fattening habits (sweets after every meal, fried foods, snacks, and candies), and adopt more healthy habits (green tea after meals, avoid frying foods, fruits, vegetables, natural almonds, and nuts as healthy snacks). This way, you'll lose kilograms almost effortlessly and affordably, gaining health and a balanced weight for life.

Healthy Dessert: Spiced Carrot Cake

Great as a mid-meal or part of breakfast with fresh fruit (portion = slice about 3 cm thick)

Ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat flour
2-4 teaspoons stevia (to taste) or 1/4 cup cane sugar
½ tablespoon baking soda
½ tablespoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon cardamom
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup applesauce
1 cup orange juice or soy milk

1/3 cup tahini
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup finely grated carrots
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup dark raisins

Preparation steps:
1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, stevia or sugar, baking soda, and spices.
3. In a separate bowl, mix salt, applesauce, flour, liquids, tahini, and vanilla extract.
4. Transfer the liquid bowl contents to the flour bowl, add the carrots, nuts, and raisins, and mix.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased pan and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out dry. Allow to cool before serving.