Believing in yourself can have a huge impact in changing your lifestyle and eating healthier.  In a recent study, researchers found that  self-efficacy (believing that you can produce the results you want) seems to be a major influence on attempts to slim down.  People with high levels of self-efficacy tend to stay on target even when faced with stress or temptation.  “Self efficacy is our belief that we can produce the result we want to produce, so a person with high dietary self-efficacy believes they can eat healthily no matter what – even when bored, upset, tired, on holiday or at a party,” explains study author Rhonda Anderson, Ph.D. “People with high self-efficacy are motivated and optimistic – when the going gets tough, they keep going.”

This week focus on believing in yourself, even if it means repeating a simple mantra like “I can make healthy choices for myself,” whenever you are feeling challenged.  If you have self-doubt and need a cheerleader, I am here for you with a great big, “YOU CAN DO IT!”  Start by taking this menu plan and recipes to the grocery store tomorrow, so you will have everything you need to make healthy PCOS-friendly meal choices.

MEATLESS MONDAY White Bean Tuna Salad I don’t like dark tuna so I will use white in olive oil and will add extra veggies to the salad.

TUESDAY Curried Chicken and Rice Soup I almost always substitute white rice for whole grain brown as I will in this recipe.  I will also add more spring veggies like asparagas and peas and maybe some greens like swiss chard.

WEDNESDAY Roasted Shrimp and Broccoli I will again add more veggies like red peppers and onions to this dish and will serve with a side of quinoa.

THURSDAY Ancho Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw and Avocado Cream

FRIDAY Grilled Steak with Green Beans, Tomatoes and Chimichurri Sauce