Cheating

I have been easing into a new eating plan.  It is not anything drastic, but it definitely is not the typical "American Diet."  It is basically a low-glycemic eating plan in which protein is the star, and it is paired with either fat or carbs, but not both.  According to the book I bought, it seems like there is sound, scientific reasoning for this.  And really, it is not terribly hard with a little planning.  However as with any eating plan/diet/exercise plan/etc., there is always talk of "cheating."  I looked up the definition of cheat and found that it does mean "violating the rules or regulations."  But really, who is "watching"?  The eating plan/exercise police?  The author(s) of this plan?  The plan itself?  Nope ... just you (and maybe a supportive friend).  So what's the point?  I don't know about you, but I am not interested in being labeled a cheater over a bowl of popcorn.

If your new eating and/or exercise plan is truly your "new lifestyle," well then you are going to have to "live" in this world and make choices.  Why does it have to be called cheating?  Why can't we just be honest, not beat ourselves up, and say, "I"m choosing to not eat according to the plan I usually ascribe to" or "I just really want an ice cream cone with my kids tonight, and I am choosing to make this memory than to stick to my plan this time"?  (And maybe you choose to just get a vanilla cone instead of the hot fudge sundae.)  :-)  

I think people get too hung up on "What if I cheat?"  How about we focus on "What if I choose to live?"  What if I chose healthy foods that work in a way that benefit my body?  What if I sometimes eat cookie instead?  What if I choose to exercise regularly?  What if I sometimes take a nap instead?  These are choices; not cheats.  Repeat with me, "Choices, not cheats." 

I admit, I am not always great at making good choices with food and exercise.  I like food, and I don't really like to exercise.  This is why I have found a plan to help me make good choices, and for the month of September, I am planning to try to stay on plan as much as possible (30 Days).  And in the event that I don't eat on plan, it will be a choice, not a cheat!

Until next time,