Building Better Habits: The Living Light 5:2 Way
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Building Better Habits: The Living Light 5:2 Way
Have you ever noticed how some habits seem to flow naturally while others feel like an uphill battle? The secret to creating lasting change isn't willpower—it's linking new habits to existing ones. This process, known as habit stacking, is particularly powerful when you're already following a structured programme like Living Light 5:2.
Let's explore how we can use your 5:2 journey as a foundation to build better eating habits, particularly around late-night snacking.
The Power of Existing Patterns
Your brain loves patterns. When you do something regularly, like checking your calendar before bed or brushing your teeth in the morning, your brain creates strong neural pathways. By linking a new habit to an existing one, you're essentially hitching a ride on an already established neural highway.
Late-Night Eating: A Common Challenge
Many of us struggle with evening snacking, often eating not from hunger but from habit. On your fasting days, you naturally stop eating earlier—creating a perfect opportunity to establish new patterns.
Here's how to use your fasting days as habit-building anchors:
- Notice how you naturally wind down without food on fasting days
- Pay attention to your evening routines on these days
- Observe how you feel waking up after an earlier final meal
Using 5:2 as Your Habit-Building Framework
Your fasting days already have a strong structure. Let's use this to build new habits:
5:2 Habit-Stacking Ideas
On Fasting Days:
- When you would normally snack in the evening, practise 5 minutes of mindful breathing
- Replace evening TV snacking with a cup of herbal tea and gentle stretching
- Use your usual snack time for evening journaling or reading
Then Extend to Regular Days:
- Keep the same evening tea ritual
- Maintain the mindful breathing practice
- Continue the no-food-after-8pm rule
Making It Stick
The key is to start small. Use your fasting days as training wheels for your new habits. Once you're comfortable with the new patterns on fasting days, gradually extend them to your regular days.
A Simple Framework to Follow
1. Choose one habit you'd like to change
2. Notice how fasting days naturally interrupt this habit
3. Create a positive replacement activity
4. Practice on fasting days first
5. Slowly extend to regular days
Remember, your Living Light 5:2 journey isn't just about weight management—it's an opportunity to reset your relationship with food and create lasting, healthy habits. By using your fasting days as anchor points, you can build sustainable changes that enhance your overall well-being.
Posted: Monday 25 November 2024