Making Breakfast My Habit

I've never been a person that was much into New Year's Resolutions because it seems that most people create these 'I'm going to do this...' or 'I'll never do THAT again...' only to forget about them a week later. 

The problem is that without any goals and timelines those resolutions are just dreams. So every year I create a list of New Year's Goals, and I make sure I have a means of measuring my progress and success.

When I first heard about Kellogg's Great Start campaign, I knew what one of my goals had to be: eating breakfast. I'm such a stickler about making sure my kids eat something before heading off to school, and my husband never skips breakfast - ever, but I've struggled with this morning meal my whole life. 

It's not that I have anything personal against eating in the AM - in fact as a nurse I know just how important it is to start the day off right by fueling your body with what it needs. Without breakfast your body's metabolism slows down and I don't know about you, but I end up feeling light headed by lunch time, and I still feel like I'm dragging all afternoon. It's like my body can't catch up, and then I usually end up eating to much right before bed.

Studies have shown that it takes a minimum 21 days to create a habit. That means consciously doing an activity every single day until it just becomes part of your everyday routine and you don't have to think about it anymore. 

So I knew that in order to create this breakfast habit of mine I had to do two things, 1.) Make a reminder for myself and 2.) a short term goal. Luckily for me (and you!) there's an easy printable from the Great Start campaign that I could stick on my fridge to remind myself every morning as well as track my progress. 

                                                                          CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

I'm nearing week two of my habit-forming process now, and while I wouldn't call eating breakfast a routine just yet, I would say I'm getting used to the idea. I usually get up, get the kids off to school, then eat a breakfast bar or a bowl of cereal like Kellogg's Raisin Bran with Omega-3 From Flax seed.

If you are ready to create a new habit, join me! There is no better time like right now!

Here are 3 simple tips I've learned that you should remember before you begin:

• Start one new habit at a time: You don't want to set yourself up for failure by trying to change too many things at once. Chances are it would become overwhelming and you'll be more likely to give up before any new habits are formed. 
• Use positive self-reinforcement: Throw out words like "I can't", or "I just don't think I'll make it." Yes you can! The human mind is so powerful, I believe you can do anything if you want it bad enough. Whenever a negative thought pops into your head just remind yourself how amazing you are and what you can do. Better yet write a positive statement in each day of your printed 21 day calendar every night before bed.
• Mark it down: Utilize the calendar. Place it somewhere you look every morning to remind yourself on what you are working on, and how far you are progressing.

Just keep trying and you'll create a good habit sooner than you know it! 

Check out this page for more Great Start tips: Kelloggs.com/GreatStarts

~Melissa

                                                 Kellogg’s® believes that From Great Starts Come Great Things®. So we’re helping Moms start every day with a tip from the top athletes of Team Kellogg’s™ and Team USA dietitians. The thirty days leading up to the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games will each feature  fun pieces of advice to help families fuel just like the athletes of Team Kellogg’s. To see all 30 tips, visit Kelloggs.com/GreatStartsTips.
 
Compensation was provided by Kellogg’s via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Kellogg’s.