Setting yourself up for FAILURE

I urge my patients to make "healthy lifestyle changes" rather than "go on a diet".  Sometimes the difference felt between the two is minimal. When certain foods need to be eliminated or at the very least reduced it can be difficult.

Since I have started my "healthy lifestyle changes", it consisted of giving up soda, chocolate and fast food among others.  So today I had Panera Bread for lunch and Papa John's Pizza for dinner, along with some soda and a chocolate dessert.  It was gooooood!!!

What I tell my patients is to set yourself up for a "cheat" day and on these days it means anything goes.  Eat and drink whatever you want whenever you want in that 24 hours.  Many of us will crave food or drink, which is perfectly normal!  Rather than give into your cravings instantly - plan one day each week to be your "cheat" day. Junk food and fast food have become so convenient that most of us can fulfill instant gratification so much it has taken a toll on our overall health.

In order to develop a healthy lifestyle, planning is the number one requirement.  Planning your groceries, exercise time, glasses of water, times to take supplements and plan your "cheat" days.  A good rule of thumb is to plan your "cheat" day for days when you are going out to eat or for special occasions.  I did not start my healthy changes until January 2nd because I knew January 1st was going to be filled with goodies to celebrate the New Year.  If the office is going to have a party, or you have a birthday or anniversary coming up, or the big project at work is going to finally be presented - give yourself a day off.  Don't worry about the calorie counts, don't worry about the glasses of water or the supplements.  One day a week should not create a negative health backslide.  The only caution I have is you must continue to take on any prescribed medication and consult a doctor if you have questions about the supplements you are taking.

Everybody deserves a little wiggle room - we are only human.  I don't expect to give up all the foods I have enjoyed but have gotten me to bad health, I just expect that I cannot eat them all the time.  If I can do it you can too!

Oh and for anyone keeping track weighed in at 185.1lbs today making my first week loss 6.8lbs!!!!!