Red Light! Green Light! Yellow Light!

This week I was reminded of the yard game I used to play as a kid. I wonder if kids still play that game or if there is a video game of it!? Aargh!

Are there certain foods you must stay away from completely or you'll eat the whole bag or package? Those are trigger foods. Foods we just can't stop eating no matter if we are hungry or not. RED LIGHT! We need to identify those foods so we know how to handle them. (or not)

You may need to avoid these foods altogether until you can eat sensible portions. Just because it's a red light food now, doesn't mean it always will be.

Manage your environment by not bringing them into the house. You may be able to eat them under controlled circumstances. (A 1 ounce bag of chips while eating lunch with co-workers)

Foods that require caution are considered YELLOW LIGHT! You can control these foods in some situations but not others.

Purchase single serving packaging or just prepackage your own portions.
Is there a lower calorie substitute for your red or yellow light food? Maybe even one that doesn't taste as good so you don't want to eat as many.
Don't allow yourself to get too hungry.
If you feel you have to have a certain food in the house for your spouse or children make sure it is in a cupboard that you don't open often. Whatever you do don't leave it/them on the counter!
Always plan ahead.

You feel in control when eating GREEN LIGHT foods. Yay! It's not all about being out of control!

Having a firm goal to set your eyes on will also help you manage your RED and YELLOW light foods.
One of the members this week is very close to her goal weight. She took a trip to the coast which generally would include indulging in salt water taffy. I'm not sure if this was a red or yellow light food for her, but to get within sight of her goal weight was way more important then having salt water taffy. Her daily and weekly points would probably have allowed her to eat some, but she has her eyes on her weight loss goal!
Is your goal important to you? Find strategies to stay in control and you can reach whatever goals you set for yourself!

"He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still."~ Tao Te Ching