Whatever you do, don’t think about a puppy. Do not think about a cute little pink puppy tummy, just waiting for you to rub it. In fact, do not even think about thinking about a puppy. Stop it. Stop thinking about a puppy!
This is rescue puppy Pikelet’s pink tummy (https://www.facebook.com/LifeOfPikelet) – he’s from BDR, same as Lou (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Dog-Rescue/163626563707750?fref=ts). Please check them out!
So, what just happened? No doubt ALL you could think about was the puppy, yes? This is pretty much what you are doing to yourself every time you decide to go on a diet. You aren’t allowed any sugar. Bread is bad. And don’t even think about having that chocolate because you’ll just ruin your day and have to start again tomorrow. As soon as you put these restrictions on yourself, ALL you are going to crave is the very food you have forbidden yourself from eating. It really is a recipe for disaster!
I used to do this to myself constantly – classify food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, punishing myself emotionally when I ate the wrong thing, binging on junk and then telling myself that I’d start again next week. Basically, I wasn’t very kind to myself or my body.
(source: http://www.asplashofvanilla.com)
Along the line somewhere though, something changed – I decided to take a little control back, treat myself more respectfully and make a lifestyle change instead of dieting. I stopped punishing myself for eating those ‘bad’ foods and instead starting focusing on things that would nourish my body. Fresh vegetables and salads, good quality proteins, nuts, seeds, fruit and lots of water. And yes, the occasional (and occasionally not so occasional) lolly.
So where am I going with this? I guess I just want to reinforce that it’s ok not to be perfect. If you find you can’t let go of cheese or say no to the occasional mid-afternoon lolly run it doesn’t make you weak – it just makes you human. And as long as you enjoy that chocolate or cheese plate, keep it as a ‘sometimes’ food and combine it with a healthy dose of exercise then I don’t think I’m going out on a limb here when I say that you’ll probably be ok.
Nourish your body with these foods, but don’t beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon occasionally
I truly believe that life needs to be about finding the right balance, and remembering that what works for you may not work for someone else. Personally, I find that by eating wholesome, fresh, full fat, good quality foods I don’t tend to crave sweets as often as I used to. And when I do crave them? Well, I can’t be expected to deny myself all the time now, can I?
A final note for anyone thinking this post is their ticket to sugar binge-town. FACT – excessive sugar is dangerous and does have a negative impact on the body – think dehydrated and ageing skin, raised blood sugar levels, fluctuating energy levels, mood swings and of course weight gain, to name just a few. So use it sparingly and wisely, but if you do over-indulge, please forgive yourself and move on.
Happy Wednesday – be kind to yourself!
Jess x
Reblogged this on bunnyhopscotch and commented:
OK, I’ve finished up the marshmallows, there aren’t any more anywhere in the entire house! Time to channel those cravings into healthier obsessions. Check out this wonderful post by Lazy Girl Fitness about food and our self respect along the path to food-enlightenment!
Thank you so much for the re-blog! Loved reading about your adventures on FB today too – looks like you’ve got quite an interesting new neighbour…
I do love your blog posts, even though I cannot do half the exercises there, your posts inspire me nevertheless! Ah, my new neighbour…. Teehee! Yes, I am discovering the interesting, quirky side of my street! 🙂
I love this blog post – I frequently have a blowout and I think, as you said, as long as you keep it in perspective and exercise accordingly you’re all good! 🙂
Thank you! Yes, I think as long as you don’t let it spiral out of control you’ll be ok. One cookie does not have to mean a whole packet of cookies, and if it leads to that well, learn from it and move on!
“use it sparingly and wisely, but if you do over-indulge, please forgive yourself and move on.” – AMEN.
Glad you agree! No sense regretting something you can’t change.
You are a wise wonderful woman!
Well that may just be one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me! I don’t know how wise or wonderful I am, but I do know that I hate to see people punishing themselves for their perceived ‘failures’. My personal experience showed me that the body doesn’t respond well to punishment – treat it well though and it’s an incredible machine!
Great post! Somebody once told me that ‘one ‘cheat’ meal won’t make you fat, just like one healthy salad won’t make you skinny’ – I try to remember it when I’m tempted to make having a couple of biscuits an excuse for eating terribly for the rest of the day. Balance and moderation is the key!
Thank you! I totally agree – that’s a great way to think about it. Perfection is overrated if you ask me anyway…