This page is part of Live Better Health Coaching. Find out about Live Better by clicking here.
Before you start…
Make sure you have a pen and paper handy. You will be asked to complete simple, written tasks as you go along.
Allow time to work through the whole topic, preferably without distractions – 30 minutes should be plenty.
Watch the video
For your convenience, you can watch a short video covering the topic below.
The Problem
Here are the main problems you will try to solve this week.

- Which of these problems ring true with you or not?
- How frequently do you snack on processed foods each day?
- List the snacks you typically eat.
A Solution
Here is an overall solution for the problems you face. Make sure you understand the general idea of how you are going to solve things.

- List how this possible solution may or may not work for you.
- How can you change your environment to make it easier for you to avoid temptation?
- How can you adapt your approach in different situations so you make healthier chocies more of the time?
Your Action
Here is the detailed Action Plan you can follow, like a recipe, to solve the problem.

- Re-write Your Action above, but customising it to your personal situation.
- List the barriers to you successfully completing Your Action this week (eg – what events, situations, people etc could get in your way?)
- List the ways that Your Action can be made easier to achieve this week (eg – what tools, tactics, people etc can help you overcome your barriers?)
Now do it
Now you have your Action Plan in place for the coming week, make sure you actually do it! Don’t let yourself get distracted or nudged off course.
If you complete the Homework Form to log Your Action, you will receive reminders throughout the week to help you stay on track.
Remember, you are worth the effort you will put into this…
Tools to help
Homework Form – if you complete this online you will receive reminders to help you throughout the week.
Review Form – complete your review online before you attend the Review Coaching Session so you are prepared for the session.
Continue your food and exercise diary – these will form a valuable source of data for you as you progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I avoid the crisps/ cakes/ biscuits that are in the house for my partner/ children/ grandchildren?
A common challenge that also links to the next topic, “Your Support Crew”. How to get people to support you in your quest to improve your health.
We often hear about treat cupboards or sweetie drawers full of goodies “in case people visit” or “because my son/ daughter/ partner likes them”.
There are a couple of things to think about here:
- Changing your eating habits starts with changing the way you think about your eating. This is the foundation of you recognising the choices you have rather than continuing to eat what you have always eaten. And you have thought about why you want to change your eating habits and control your weight at the start of Live Better – this will be related to your long term health and is worth it!
- Ask yourself, why you have the treats in the cupboard in the first place and is there an alternative? Can you swap the processed treats for more wholesome ones, eg swap biscuits and cake for fruit or nuts? Always offering lower quality, processed treats is often out of habit and, we think, perpetuates the habit of eating these treats for others, especially children. We typically eat the way we do because of habits ingrained from childhood.
Having said that, this is not about being perfect and never eating sweet treats or salty snacks. It is about balance. So, if you have these foods in your cupboards make sure they are out of sight and so less obviously tempting. Have the healthier snacks eg a well stocked, colourful fruit bowl, front and centre.