Why Did I Do That? How to Deal with a Lapse in Your Weight Loss Efforts

A bad day or even a bad week is not enough to “break your diet” unless you let it get you down. It’s what you eat over the long run that counts.

It’s eating more calories than you need day after day after day that makes you fat not a one-off over-indulgence.

But what can you do if you really did go mad last night? What can you do today to get back on track after you’ve come off the rails?

  • Whatever you do don’t weigh yourself unless you love being miserable. Chances are you had a load of sugar and/or salt last night and you’ll be retaining more water than a camel embarking on a trek across the Sahara. Consequently, you’ll have gained more pounds than you possibly could from the extra calories you ate. So don’t even think about stepping on the scales for 2 days.

  • Every day, but especially today you should aim for eating modest portions of healthy foods whenever you are hungry, stopping when you are satisfied rather than stuffed. More than ever today you need to feel in control. So no starvation rations or you’ll only set yourself up for a hunger-induced “clear out the cupboard” binge later on.

  • Normally it’s best not to skip breakfast but if you are still full from the previous day, it can wait. Just make sure you have a healthy snack ready for when hunger does strike.

  • Take time to enjoy your food today. Sometimes we hardly taste the food when we are eating too much, we eat it so quickly, trying to stop ourselves thinking too much as we shovel it in. Actually taste everything which passes your lips today and put yourself back in control.

  • Spend a few moments thinking about why you temporarily blew your weight loss plans. What thoughts were running through your head? What situation had you put yourself in? What can you learn from that? How will you deal with those thoughts, those situations next time because as sure as eggs are eggs they, or something similar, will happen again. Be prepared.

  • Stay positive. Relax a little. Tell yourself “Yes, I broke my diet but that’s OK. I’m human. I’m not meant to be perfect. I’m going to treat myself well, eating healthily as much as I can. If I have the odd lapse it doesn’t change my determination to keep going.” Build yourself up. Give yourself a little (non-food) present. You deserve the best and you can do whatever you set your mind to.

    The best way to get over a lapse is to treat it like the insignificant blip it is and just get right back on track!

    Copyright 2005, Janice Elizabeth Small

    Janice Elizabeth is a successful weight loss coach, slimming club owner and author of “The Diet Exit Plan”, an 8 week coaching program for automatic permanent weight loss. Request her FREE 15 page report “How to lose weight without dieting – 7 secrets the diet industry doesn’t want you to know” at SimplySlimming.com TODAY!

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  • The Psychology of Weight Loss: Part 4 ? The Power of Praise!

    Your success in sticking with an exercise and weight loss program may just come down to you asking for help – unless pride gets in your way. The key to longevity is surrounding yourself with people who will give you support followed up by accountability.

    "A good team is one that has quality support, honest encouragement, and requires personal responsibility."

    From my e book The "A" Factor

    Your Inner Circle

    "You can tell a lot about a person by the friends they keep." This is a very true statement. Let me say this first. Many decisions in life have strings attached to them. Strings sometimes make it virtually impossible to accomplish any goal. However, it is important to be aware of who influences you the most. Usually there are two types of people around you:

    Toxic, negative, pessimistic people Non-toxic, encouraging support people.

    Negative, Pessimistic People: Toxic

    You usually know these people. After being around them you feel physically and mentally drained. Toxic people are envious, cynical, and pessimistic by nature. If you try to get support and encouragement from this type of person, all you’re going to get is frustrated. If possible, don’t spend much time with them.

    Positive, Optimistic People: Non-Toxic

    On the other hand, if you are around those who are honest and encouraging, you become a reservoir of energy. Depending on how important change is to you, the choice of changing friends and certain relationships may be necessary. In other words, if you want to know about yourself, just look at the types of friends you have.

    EnCOURAGEment

    The most effective accountability systems I know are those that stress encouragement, accompanied by direct responsibility. Encouragement and support can come form different directions. In most cases, you’re influenced by those with whom you most associate and those you most value in your life. The more you’re positively reinforced, the more fulfilling the journey will be and the more memorable. It takes courage to take this step and if you make it, you should be applauded.

    Responsibility

    Even though you can’t succeed alone, you still have to take some responsibility in your health and goals. Part of being responsible is sharing goals with close friends and support people. Take some pride in what you want to do. Take what you’re doing seriously. If you don’t have your health, what do you have?

    START LOSING WEIGHT THE RIGHT WAY FOR GOOD TODAY! FREE MINI COURSE click here resolutions.bz

    Discover the common sense way to lose weight with out dieting that the doctor’s DON’T want you to know. Greg Ryan is a best selling author, former employee of Kathy Smith, and high profile fitness expert.

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