I seriously do. I love a doughy crust, the gooey cheese that blankets the top, and even the grease that drips. – ALL OF IT! And that might shock you since I do this health coaching thing, right?

But what I don’t love is how I feel after eating it. The stomach pain begins with a side of guilt. And I would think, “I’m never going to do that again!” And especially when the bathroom is my place of residence the next morning for a couple of hours. Ugh! 

And, yet, no matter how many times this would happen to me, I would continue to eat it. Because it’s easy. I thought it satisfied me. I thought this time would be different. And that instant gratification dopamine kick into my brain the second it enters my mouth felt so calming. 

But then I stopped and asked myself: is it really worth it? 

I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. 

Can you relate? 

And maybe for you, it’s ice cream? Chips? Candy? Soda? Beer? Am I getting closer yet?. 

Can I offer a solution?

STOP. CHALLENGE. CHOOSE.

When that moment hits, just stop – dead in your tracks. Think about what you are about to do. Okay, fine. Put the pizza on a plate, but don’t put it in your mouth. Look at it in square in the face. 

Challenge. Ask yourself a few questions while you have a glass of water or take a walk around your home. 

How did your body respond the last time you had pizza? How did you feel emotionally after eating the pizza? Is this going to move your health forward or set you back?  

Choose. Make the decision that will be best for your health after reflecting. 

Is it hard to say no in these moments? Yes. 

Your brain is programmed for instant gratification. I’m asking you to stop that instant reaction of eating and think about it first. Challenge your thought process, and then make a good decision. When we stop, challenge, and choose, we start making better decisions all around.