101 Things to Do Instead of Eating

101 THINGS TO DO INSTEAD OF EATING

The entire premise of “It’s Not About the Food” is to live your life and occupy your thoughts on living and not your next meal.  Below I am sharing with you some suggestions to keep your mind off of eating.  Do not pull out this list, put it on the fridge and start checking things off the list.  This list is to demonstrate the infinite possibilities and options rather than eating.  They are opportunities to enjoy the moments in your life and sustain your existence.

When I first drafted this list is was when I was writing the book version of the blog.   It was so long ago that Facebook and many social media sites were not as popular as they are today.  There are also many incredible books that I have read since I started writing.  I have added a couple to the list, but I really could share so many!!  One thought to share with you about the book list – never feel overwhelmed that you have to read any book cover-to-cover.   Many times, I’ll start reading and something profound will grab me and can be life changing.  Then I’ll find the rest of the book doesn’t keep my interest and I’m content with stopping and moving on.  If you’ve ever read “The Art of War” you’ll know what I mean.

Not all things on this list are in the entertainment or leisure categories.  There are basic housekeeping and grooming items as well.   It’s good to be organized in your life as it gives you control and empowers you.  When you gain control of one aspect of your life it spills over the other areas.  There will always be unexpected turns or glitches in life but when in control you will be poised to handle them.

As I mentioned these are suggestions and I’m sure you could write your own list of not just 101 but 1001 and then some.   Keep adding to the list and keep living a joyful life!

Categories:

Hobbies – Housekeeping – Organize – Books – Web – Dream – Goals – Pamper – Play – Move – Explore – Socialize – Learn – Inspire – Seasonal

1. Meditate
2. Write your thoughts and start a journal
3. Make a Vision Board
4. Garden, weed, water plants
5. Go for a walk
6. Call a friend or someone you haven’t heard from in a while
7. Write a hand-written note to a friend
8. Read a magazine
9. Read Outliers
10. Read Five Love Languages
11. Read Spiritual Solution to Every Problem
12. Read Eat Mangoes Naked
13. Read The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F&ck
14. Read Make Your Bed
15. Read To Our Children’s Children
16. Read The Last Lecture
17. Read The Universe Has Your Back

18. Clean out a junk drawer
19. Set the timer to 15 minutes and fill a trash bag (From “The Fly Lady”)
20. Organize a closet
21. Vacuum
22. Paint your finger nails
23. Give yourself a pedicure, soak your feet, etc.
24. Experiment with make-up
25. Try a new hair style
26. Draw or create something w/ watercolors
27. Color (many new coloring books for adults)
28. Pull out pages of a magazine with decorating ideas or any kind of ideas
29. Watch exercise machine or weight loss infomercials
30. Organize your jewelry into color categories
31. Start a Christmas list
32. Make a to-do list for the next day
33. Make a major house project list
34. Play solitaire (either with cards or an app)
35. Face mask (either homemade or store bought)
36. Brush teeth (always keeps you from wanting to eat)
37. Work on a 1000-piece puzzle
38. Crossword puzzle (either in the newspaper or an app)
39. Sudoku
40. Search the web for old friends
41. Clean-out your emails
42. Organize your emails and make sub-folders
43. Spring/Fall cleaning
44. Organize greeting cards so you’ll be ready for birthdays, etc.
45. Plan a vacation
46. Practice taking a selfie – be confident
47. Go for a drive
48. Put in teeth whiteners
49. Draw/doodle
50. Clean the keyboard on your computer
51. Shoot hoops
52. Garden
53. Water house plants
54. Organize linens
55. Shoot pool
56. Hit golf balls
57. Bird watch
58. Take a nap
59. Watch an old movie
60. Watch home movies
61. Clean out the car
62. Organize the sock drawer
63. Dance
64. Yoga or stretch
65. Write an affirmation (20 times – I am in control)
66. Create a Linked In page
67. Move around the furniture
68. Change pictures on the walls
69. Dust the pictures on the wall
70. Ride a bike
71. Learn a new computer program (You Tube videos are great)
72. Make a daily / weekly goal list
73. Make a monthly / yearly goal list
74. Make a 5-year and 10-year plan
75. Search on Pinterest chalk art
76. Start a Snapchat page
77. Look for best new apps that are free
78. Look at old photos and Scrapbook
79. Listen to a Podcast or Ted Talk
80. Count your blessings and write them down
81. Learn how to arrange flowers
82. Organize holiday decorations
83. Go to a tag sale
84. Imagine the perfect job
85. Clean the tops of doors
86. Organize a closet
87. Check the couches for change
88. Check and change batteries in smoke detectors
89. Clean microwave
90. Put together a box of items for a tag sale
91. Put together a box of items for the Salvation Army or Big Brothers/Big Sisters
92. Clean behind your washer/dryer
93. Iron clothes for the week
94. Check on the wackiest item listed on eBay
95. Find your dream item on eBay
96. Find the most expensive item on eBay
97. Google your name
98. Volunteer (anything from join a board, stuff envelopes, face paint, etc.)
99. Look for your house on Google Satellite
100. Check out MapQuest and plot out different trips
101. Go to Amazon.com and create a Wishlist