A few weeks back, my husband, Gary & I were walking into Sports Authority when we saw the dreaded folding table set up in front of the entrance surrounded by little girls holding boxes of cookies! Girlscout cookie season has started.
What really struck me about it was that this occurred just 3 weeks after the New Year.
I thought about all of those people who had made resolutions to "eat healthy" this year, or "give up junk food". I thought about them because after three weeks of eating differently; depriving yourself of everything that you think is good (because that's what healthy eating is. Isn't it?), all that is needed is one innocent little girl selling something that only comes around once a year to derail you from your commitment to your health.
Two weeks later was the SuperBowl. It is now said that the SuperBowl is the 2nd biggest eating holiday; just after Thanksgiving. Article here So if the Girlscout cookies weren't bad enough, here comes the Super Bowl with promises of little hot dogs wrapped in pastry, nachos, buffalo wings and pizza. What's someone who is trying to maintain their weight to do?
The following weekend was Mardi Gras. Then, the nail in the coffin had to have been Valentine's day two weeks later. conversation hearts, chocolate covered strawberries, and heart shaped confections anywhere the eye could see.
When I worked in corporate world, I realized this phenomenon of the endless sweets and parties. There was always someone's birthday, or a project that was just completed & launched, or a lunch meeting where pizza was invited.
My point is that there are always going to be temptations and celebrations. There is always going to be some upcomming event that is going to make it difficult for you to start your goal today. The real key is planning & moving on. Know that there will be lots of foods available to you that maybe aren't the healthiest. Try to make the best choices that you can make.
Then, when it's all over, get back on track. One party does not make anyone a failure. One party that lasts a week doesn't even make you a failure. What makes you a failure is giving up; thinking that because you had a piece of cake, you may as well have the 1/2 gallon of ice cream that goes with it.
Every day you make the committment to your goals – whether it's to quit smoking, eat healthier foods, or become more active. You cannot make a real commitment unless you accept that it's a choice that you keep making again and again and again.