Never have truer words been spoken. OK, that might be a bit overdramatic,
but this phrase really rings true for me.
So it goes like this…too many times I’ve started a ‘diet’
only to find a week later I’ve given in to drinks and dinner out, felt slightly
hungover the next day so ordered myself a pizza. Pretty sure that pizza isn’t
part of a healthy lifestyle…big woops. Not every blip may be that bad, it might
be a bit of chocolate here or there, but I can guarantee you that I beat myself
up about it the next day. Sometimes, I say to myself, ‘oh well, I was bad
yesterday, I might as well just carry on for a few more days then on Monday I’ll
start again.’
Ladies and Gentlemen, I think you call that a downward
spiral.
Let’s be honest with ourselves, if healthy eating and taking
exercise isn’t something that is whole heartedly at the core of your being and
philosophy of living (there’s me being dramatic again), you’re going to slip up
and take a bite of cake somewhere down the line. We’re only human for crying
out loud.
Where it really goes wrong is when you beat yourself up
about eating something naughty and put a lot of guilt on yourself. Stop hating
yourself, that isn’t healthy either. In my experience that’s when people can
allow their feelings dictate what they eat. For me, I comfort eat. When I am upset,
or a little be down I’ll eat to make me feel better. That’s a whole other
story, but the same truth applies. If you make yourself feel guilty about ‘cheating
eating’ you’re more than likely to do it again, and much more frequently. Then
when does it stop?
What I find works is when I really want a treat I allow myself
to have it. Obviously, you should ask yourself whether you really, really want
it, sometimes the feeling will pass after 15 minutes or so. If you do allow
yourself a treat, then enjoy it. Every single morsel of it. There’s nothing
worse than allowing yourself to eat something you know isn’t all that good for
you, then beat yourself up about it with every single mouthful. What was the
point of even eating it? Just make sure that afterwards you say to
yourself, OK that was a treat, but tomorrow, I’m going to be extra good and
plan what you are going to eat so there is no excuse.
Regret can equal regression into old habits, so just dust
yourself off, feel content that you allowed yourself a treat and not beaten
yourself up about it, and continue the next day of healthy eating.
The healthy eating journey can be a tough one, I’m only just
starting it (again), but I will not allow myself to feel down about little
slip-ups along the way. Be positive. You’ll feel better for it.
Have a great week everyone.
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