Too many of us have an all or nothing mentality. If we can't do something perfectly we won't do it at all. I believe this is the number one cause of failure in a weight loss program.
Why? Because none of us is perfect and none of us live in a world of perfect circumstances. So many things crop up to get in our way that it's impossible to always avoid those issues. This is life, and the key to success is to work around it when you can, and move past it when you can't.
Sometimes we have a bad day and say, "Oh, I deserve this little treat, - my day has been terrible." Well, that is not really going to make your day better, but if you do give in to that thinking, don't throw the whole day out the window. Get back on track with your very next meal!
Sometimes we don't plan well enough and we don't have enough food with us. We are so hungry that we cave and hit the drive thru. Should that ruin the rest of your day or the rest of your weekend? One meal is probably not going to do a lot of damage, but a weekend of bad meals can undo two weeks of hard, steady work!
Sometimes there is a special event. We've planned for it, eaten ahead of time, and then for some reason our resolve just flies out the window. We eat everything in sight and hover over the buffet like a like a starved vulture. It happens. Move on.
Let's say you got a ticket for running through a red light, so you said to yourself, "Well, I already got a speeding ticket today, so I might as well not stop at red lights for the rest of the day." Does that really seem logical or sensible? Not if you want to keep a driver's license! Apply this concept to food.
All or nothing thinking doesn't work. I can't tell you how many diets I have quit in the past because of this way of thinking. Forgive yourself your imperfections. Start again your very next meal. Move forward and treat yourself kindly.
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