LKN Wellness w/ Karen Anthony – Mindset Matters: Make the Decision Before the Moment Hits

Ever find yourself exhausted, hungry, and staring into an empty fridge with no idea what to eat? Or caught in the drive-thru lane again—not because you wanted to be, but because you were too tired to think of another plan?

As a health coach that works with women in midlife who want help with health issues such as reversing prediabetes, improving their eating habits, or breaking through weight loss plateaus, I hear this a lot. 

Let’s talk about what to do in those moments before they happen.

I often talk about creating a simple go-to system—something you can fall back on when life gets chaotic. In my newsletter, Mindset Matters, we often talk about the importance of watching our thoughts. That’s because every decision we make—every habit, every bite, every skipped workout—happens downstream of what’s going on in our minds.

When we’re running on empty, the inner monologue might sound like:

• “It’s been such a long day. I’m exhausted and starving.”
• “There’s nothing in the house to eat.”
• “I’m way too tired to cook.”

In these moments, it’s tough to make a positive choice—unless you’ve already laid some groundwork.

👟 Start With a Few Simple Decisions

You don’t need a full-on meal plan to succeed—you just need a few smart strategies you can rely on. The key is making these choices ahead of time, so you’re not relying on willpower when your brain is fried.

Ask yourself:

• What’s my most vulnerable time of day when cravings or convenience take over?
• Am I staying hydrated enough to keep energy and cravings in check?
• Would a mid-afternoon high protein snack help me stay in command?
• What’s a healthier meal I actually enjoy at each of my favorite restaurants?

Karen’s Go-To Tricks (That You Can Steal!)

• I keep a healthy emergency snack in my purse—this has saved me more times than I can count.
• I stash extra water bottles in my car so I’m never caught off guard.
• I’ve picked out a go-to meal at a few restaurants I frequent, so I don’t have to make that decision when I’m tired or tempted.

I don’t do it perfectly every time—but I’ve trained myself to do it most of the time. That’s what progress looks like.

Your Turn

If we wait until we’re overly hungry, drained, or underprepared, we know what happens next. It’s an uphill battle trying to “willpower” our way through. 

But just a handful of small, thoughtful decisions made in advance? That can shift everything.

Let’s decide today—and be ready for tomorrow.

Karen Anthony – Certified Coach 

Creator of the Ten Pound Toolkit: Done-For-You Tools for Losing Your First 10 Pounds

Karen Anthony is a certified weight loss coach who works with women in midlife. Her holistic approach focuses on diabetes prevention, improving metabolic health, and lifestyle changes that lead to better health.

Karen Anthony, Owner of Coaching with Karen, LLC

Davidson, NC

704-858-2338

Email: [email protected]

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