Have you ever been on a strict diet and found yourself counting out almonds or carrot sticks for a snack?
The diet says "15 almonds" - you count out 15 and eat them, only to find youself still feeling hungry. You try to stick it out until the next meal and drink water to help the hunger go away, but it's just not cutting it. By the end of the day or week you finally crack and lose complete control of your food choices. You're now frustrated, discouraged (not to mention possibly sick from over-endulging in all the foods you've been avoiding).
Does this sounds familiar to you?
First of all, I think it's important to point out that when this situation happens - YOU are not a failure.
How many times have you told yourself because you couldn't stick with a diet that you were the problem? In reality, the diet was never meant to be sustainable in the first place.
See my previous blog titled "Don't Diet" for a refresher on this.
Weight Loss Tip # 23 - Accept Imperfection
The reality is, no one is perfect. No diet is "perfect."
Everyone has days where they consume more calories than other days or have dessert when they had not planned to do so. This is part of life and, may I say, it's an enjoyable part of life. It shouldn't feel like you have failed to enjoy a couple extra bites of a food or dessert.
Many struggling with finding a happy medium and avoiding the "all-or-nothing" diet mentality.
The first step is to recognize when you've had an all-or-nothing thought.
Example: "I've runied it already" or "Might as well wait until Monday" or "I've already had 3 cookies, what's 4 more?"
Instead, try: "I've found a good balance" or "I can be healthy and avoid extremes" or "One cookie was enjoyable, and I can have another one tomorrow if I want it."
Accept that little things do make a difference. Maybe you've caught yourself thinking:
- What's the point of walking for 10 minutes, it won't make a difference.
- If I really want to successed I have to eat 100% clean - no cheating!
- I can't trust myself to just have a "little" dessert, so I better not have any.
Instead, recognize that a little bit DOES make a difference and small changes, done consistently WILL lead to success.
My challenge for you this week is to catch yourself having negative or "all-or-nothing" thoughts and change them into reasonable thoughts. Be gently with yourself and work on finiding a balance. Remember: - Praise yourself for small wins - Aim for progress, not perfection - You don't have to win the race to get to the finish line.
I'm here for you and I believe in you.
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