Day 8: Out of Sight, Out of Mind – Slimming Your Spaces to Support Your Success
Welcome to Day 8 of Slow and Steady Weight Loss!
This challenge is based on my paid eCourse—and I’m excited to be bringing it to life here on the blog, one day at a time over the next 28 weeks. Whether you’re here to review the material or brand new to the challenge, you’ll find the tools, tips, and encouragement you need to create real, lasting change—step by step.
Last week (Day #7) we explored one of my favorite healthy habits — and my personal secret weapon for lasting weight loss, Soup. This week is all about turning your surroundings into silent cheerleaders on your weight loss journey.
You may not realize it, but your environment plays a huge role in shaping your eating behaviors. In today’s world, food is everywhere—on counters, desks, dashboards, and screens. It’s become the background to our lives, and often, we don’t even realize how much we’re eating simply because it’s in front of us.
That’s why today’s focus is so important. It’s time to take control of your surroundings.
Today’s Task: Clear the Clutter — Especially the Edible Kind
The phrase “Out of sight, out of mind” might seem simple, but it’s incredibly powerful when it comes to food. Research shows that we’re far more likely to eat what we see. So if your counters, office drawers, or car console are filled with snacks, you’re setting yourself up for unconscious nibbling and unnecessary temptation.
So here’s what to do:
- Do a quick sweep of your kitchen, office, and car. Remove all visible food—except for maybe a bowl of fresh fruit.
- Tuck treats and snacks away. The more tempting it is, the harder it should be to access. That means cookies go in the back of the pantry or freezer, not the front of the cupboard.
- Design your space with your goals in mind. What you see should reflect the lifestyle you’re trying to create.
Remember, this isn’t about restriction. It’s about creating an environment that supports your intentions—not sabotages them.
Bonus Strategy: Lean on Broth-Based Soups
Looking for a smart, satisfying way to stay full without overdoing calories or points? Broth-based soups are a lifesaver. They fill you up, warm you from the inside out, and help you stay on track without feeling deprived.
Try incorporating them into your lunch, dinner, or even as an afternoon snack. (I love a mug of veggie soup as a mid-day pick-me-up!)
Today’s Daily Habits Checklist
Small steps done consistently lead to big results. Here’s your gentle nudge to stay on track:
Take a 5-minute breather. A short pause can reset your mindset and calm cravings.
Drink your water. I like to have a glass first thing in the morning. It’s amazing how quickly I feel like a wilted plant coming back to life!
Move for at least 10 minutes. A walk, some gentle stretching—anything to wake up your body and boost your mood.
Journal your food and mood. This isn’t about perfection. It’s just about noticing. What are you eating? How are you feeling? Patterns will start to emerge.
Why This Matters
When your space is aligned with your goals, healthy choices become easier—almost automatic. And when you’re not battling constant visual temptation, you free up mental energy for things that truly matter: nourishing your body, feeling good in your skin, and enjoying the journey.
One of the most eye-opening resources on this topic is the book Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink, which completely changed the way I think about food cues and our eating environment. If you are curious, you can read my full Mindless Eating review, or check out the Mindless Eating Challenge I created based on the book’s insights.
Peter and I even did a podcast deep dive into the book, where we explored how tiny changes can make a big difference. You can listen to those episodes here: Mindless Eating Podcast Series.
As Albert Einstein said:
“Out of clutter, find simplicity.”
Let’s keep simplifying—one drawer, one shelf, one day at a time.
To your health and happiness,
Martha