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
- Meditate
- Write your thoughts and start a journal
- Make a Vision Board
- Garden, weed, water plants
- Go for a walk
- Call a friend or someone you haven’t heard from in a while
- Write a hand-written note to a friend
- Read a magazine
- Read Outliers
- Read Five Love Languages
- Read Spiritual Solution to Every Problem
- Read Eat Mangoes Naked
- Read The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F&ck
- Read Make Your Bed
- Read To Our Children’s Children
- Read The Last Lecture
- Read The Universe Has Your Back
- Clean out a junk drawer
- Set the timer to 15 minutes and fill a trash bag (From “The Fly Lady”)
- Organize a closet
- Vacuum
- Paint your finger nails
- Give yourself a pedicure, soak your feet, etc.
- Experiment with make-up
- Try a new hair style
- Draw or create something w/ watercolors
- Color (many new coloring books for adults)
- Pull out pages of a magazine with decorating ideas or any kind of ideas
- Watch exercise machine or weight loss infomercials
- Organize your jewelry into color categories
- Start a Christmas list
- Make a to-do list for the next day
- Make a major house project list
- Play solitaire (either with cards or an app)
- Face mask (either homemade or store bought)
- Brush teeth (always keeps you from wanting to eat)
- Work on a 1000-piece puzzle
- Crossword puzzle (either in the newspaper or an app)
- Sudoku
- Search the web for old friends
- Clean-out your emails
- Organize your emails and make sub-folders
- Spring/Fall cleaning
- Organize greeting cards so you’ll be ready for birthdays, etc.
- Plan a vacation
- Practice taking a selfie – be confident
- Go for a drive
- Put in teeth whiteners
- Draw/doodle
- Clean the keyboard on your computer
- Shoot hoops
- Garden
- Water house plants
- Organize linens
- Shoot pool
- Hit golf balls
- Bird watch
- Take a nap
- Watch an old movie
- Watch home movies
- Clean out the car
- Organize the sock drawer
- Dance
- Yoga or stretch
- Write an affirmation (20 times – I am in control)
- Create a Linked In page
- Move around the furniture
- Change pictures on the walls
- Dust the pictures on the wall
- Ride a bike
- Learn a new computer program (You Tube videos are great)
- Make a daily / weekly goal list
- Make a monthly / yearly goal list
- Make a 5-year and 10-year plan
- Search on Pinterest chalk art
- Start a Snapchat page
- Look for best new apps that are free
- Look at old photos and Scrapbook
- Listen to a Podcast or Ted Talk
- Count your blessings and write them down
- Learn how to arrange flowers
- Organize holiday decorations
- Go to a tag sale
- Imagine the perfect job
- Clean the tops of doors
- Organize a closet
- Check the couches for change
- Check and change batteries in smoke detectors
- Clean microwave
- Put together a box of items for a tag sale
- Put together a box of items for the Salvation Army or Big Brothers/Big Sisters
- Clean behind your washer/dryer
- Iron clothes for the week
- Check on the wackiest item listed on eBay
- Find your dream item on eBay
- Find the most expensive item on eBay
- Google your name
- Volunteer (anything from join a board, stuff envelopes, face paint, etc.)
- Look for your house on Google Satellite
- Check out MapQuest and plot out different trips
- Go to Amazon.com and create a Wishlist


