Does this sound familiar?
We start a new diet with the very best of intentions. We know we picked a good program. We’re excited. We’re stocked up on the program essentials. We even manage to do well for a few days (maybe even a couple of weeks).
Then the shoe falls. Our resolve wanders. We almost look for an excuse to cheat.
On one hand, you know you can do this. You know a strong 14 days free of temptation will garner you the best chance of success. So, what do you instead? Make a date with your pals at the new place with a free Happy Hour buffet and $1 beers.
You rationalize that you “deserve” it. Convince yourself that friends will bolster you with support, although you vague suspect probably not. Lastly, you promise yourself to stick to 1, OK 2 at most, Michelob Lights. Yeah, but it didn’t quite turn out that way, did it?
We’re only human. It surely doesn’t help that there’s a McDonalds, Burger King or Pizza Hut on every corner. Calling at us like an epic siren, we turn into the drive-thru lane like Pavlov’s dogs. Our brain tells us to order bunless cheeseburger or grilled chicken salad, but our mouths spurt out “Big Mac & Diet Coke”. Of course Diet Coke, we’re on a diet!
And we’ve failed. Again. Why do we do this to ourselves?
Personally, I think its akin to the emotional reasons we eat, whether we’re actually hungry or not. The next time you’re standing in front of the fridge, door swung wide open, staring in a blank trance as if some magical 0 cal 0 carb delicious delight will suddenly appear — take solace that your dieting sisters and brothers are joining you the world over.
Self examination is the key. What’s going on inside? What are we furiously trying to bury under the wrong foods and poor choices? What are we afraid of? That we might not be able to blame personal failures on being fat anymore? Maybe we’re nervous about sudden attention and flirting from the opposite sex? Or … maybe we just don’t want it bad enough?
One “fix” is journaling. Yes, guys, even you. You’ve heard confession is good for the soul. Well, it’s true. None of us are free from doubt, remorse, “what ifs” or guilt. Why aren’t I a better spouse? Why aren’t I further in my career? Will my kids turn out OK? Will my bonus come in time for the property tax bill? Committing these feelings and insecurities, whether to paper or bandwidth, can help.
