Self-Discipline and Snacking

Our self-discipline series continues as we discuss snacking this week. This was the most requested subject from readers... it seems the temptation of snacking is strong and people are looking for techniques to boost their discipline in this area. We are really going back to our roots as the first chapter in Lessons from Madame Chic is called, "Snacking Is So Not Chic". You know by now that famille Chic did not snack and that my immersion into the non-snacking world was bumpy at best. I am a big snacker and I still have to keep myself in check. This is where self-discipline comes in.

In this week's video we discuss a few techniques, many of which are touched upon in At Home With Madame Chic (which comes out Tuesday!). After the book comes out and you've had a chance to read it we will delve into these topics further.

Some of the key ideas in the video:

Get organized with meal planning. We are more likely to snack if we have no idea what's for dinner tonight. But if you've put a lot of thought and work (going to the store, planning, cooking, preparing) you are not going to want to ruin your appetite with snacks. (This concept will be discussed in much greater detail after the book release).

Stress snacking. Stress snacking was never an issue for me until becoming a parent. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed with my work load and with how little time I have to myself that I will reach for snacks, even though I'm not hungry. Are you snacking to make yourself feel better or to anesthetize a big emotion you're having? If this is the case, it's good to pause and be aware of this.

Avoid buying snacks that are your "Achilles Heel". We all have that certain snack that we can't resist no matter how hard we try (for me, it's kettle corn). If you know you have a problem with barbecue potato chips, for example, don't buy them. If they are not in the house, you can't eat them.

Employ good old-fashioned self-discipline. I'm not saying you shouldn't snack (in fact, many people need to for health reasons), but if you know you have a snacking problem test your will and employ good old-fashioned self-discipline. You can have a snack or two throughout the day but when your body tells you you want another one (and you don't need it and know that third bowl of ice cream is not good for you) test yourself. Feel the burn. Feel the accomplishment of not succumbing to your weakness. This takes practice and you've got to go easy on yourself.

There are only a few of the suggestions mentioned in the video. This week, I'd love to know what your struggle or success is with snacking. What is your snack story? If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or check out my channel www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

Madame Chic Inspiring Thought
Sit down with your family and come up with a dinner plan for the following week. Let each family member chose one thing on the weekly menu and they can help prepare it! Coming together for consistent, healthful meals will diminish your desire to snack on junk foods.

Comment of the Week
The comment of the week comes from Ashley Diaz on the No More Booty Songs + Moms' Night Out post, who writes:
Hi Jennifer, this morning I attended a teacher's meeting (I am a piano teacher:) and one of the teachers said something that really stuck with me- We need to be influencing our children in such a way that when they are older, they will pay for tickets to go see great artists perform. There is culture and class out there, and we need to support it! Often, symphonies present children series which are specially programmed to introduce children to the lifelong pleasures of music.

News
At Home With Madame Chic comes out on Tuesday! Learn more about the book on my author website.

My TEDx Talk on the Ten-Item Wardrobe is finally available to view. Check it out and share it with your friends (especially the ones who need to clean out their closets :) ).

Check out my interview with Metro US on the upcoming At Home With Madame Chic.

Hear my interview on The Simple Sophisticate Podcast from The Simply Luxurious Life blog. I close off Shannon's wonderful show with a great interview on living well at home.

The Madame Chic books are still receiving wonderful reviews. This week check out Katy Confidential, Pretty Page Turner and Books and Chocolate.

Upcoming Events
Southern California readers: come meet me at one of my upcoming book signings:
October 8, 2014 Pages A Bookstore, Manhattan Beach, CA presentation, Q&A + book signing 7pm
October 28, 2014 DIESEL bookstore, Brentwood, CA Presentation, Q&A + book signing 7pm
November 2, 2014 Laguna Beach Books Presentation, Q&A + signing 4pm
(more venues and dates to be announced)

See you Tuesday on the blog for the launch of At Home With Madame Chic!

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