Are You Under The Influence…? Not DUI but EUI

Welcome to another edition of #HappyFitFriday at Home. This blog is based on last Friday’s broadcast. After a long week, I dozed off earlier, but woke up remembering I hadn’t connected with my #HappyFitFriday community. Even with my back bothering me (which prevented our planned gym visit), I wanted to make sure we connected.

EUI: Eating Under the Influence

Tonight’s topic came to me earlier today: Are you under the influence? No, I’m not talking about a DUI (Driving Under the Influence), but rather EUI—Eating Under the Influence.

What exactly do I mean by this? Simply put: What influences your eating habits?

Many of us, myself included, have reached a point where we can no longer put off changing our eating habits. Health situations often bring us to this realization. We might focus on physical activity, but what we put into our bodies is equally crucial.

Being Transparent About My Journey

Let me be transparent with you. For years, I’ve wanted to eat whatever I want, whenever I want, and however much I want. I got away with this in my younger years, but those choices are now having adverse effects as I’ve gotten older.

I believe we’ve reached the time to pivot and seriously consider what we’re eating. This isn’t just about what we eat, but also:

• When we’re eating (timing matters!)
• The portion sizes we choose
• The types of food we consume

These choices become increasingly important, especially for those of us over 40 or 50.

Influences on Our Eating Habits

Consider what influences your eating:

• Stress: Do you turn to food for comfort when stressed?
• Emotional eating: As Michelle Petties shared on Transparent Talks, we often respond emotionally to food, seeking comfort where it doesn’t truly exist
• Stubbornness: Simply wanting what you want, regardless of consequences
• Complacency: “I’ve been eating this way for years—what’s it going to hurt?”

We create many scenarios to justify being under the influence of situations that cause us to neglect proper nutrition.

Small Steps Toward Change

We don’t need to make dramatic changes overnight. Consider these small steps:

• Cut out your favorite candy bar
• Choose seltzer water over soda
• Eat an apple instead of cake
• Add more greens to your meals (try kale in your salad instead of just regular lettuce)
• Create healthy snack alternatives
• Make a nutritious smoothie for breakfast
• Choose home-cooked meals over dining out (I’m guilty of eating out too often!)

Commitment to Health

Even with my back issues causing discomfort, I’m committing to find exercises I can still do safely. We can always find ways to move our bodies, even when facing physical limitations.

At the same time, I’m committing to being more mindful of what I put in my mouth. These two components—nutrition and physical activity—work together to optimize our health.

Your Turn

I encourage you to hold yourself accountable and make a decision not to be influenced by situations that lead to poor health choices. Consider what you’re putting into your body alongside staying physically active.

Remember, you can do all that God has specifically designed you to do. Live on purpose—your divine purpose and destiny.

Until next Friday, ask yourself: What have you done today to optimize your health?

Blessings to you all,

Jacqueline Deneen
Your Partner On Purpose

Join me next Friday for another #HappyFitFriday where we’ll continue our health, wellness, and fitness journey together!

Let us know what you think. Comment below. Get focused and eat healthy…