Celebrate Good Times...Come On!

I was inspired to write today's post after reading some comments on a friend's Facebook status. The question posed was basically whether or not the poster should break his diet in order to celebrate an occasion with some pizza. What amazed me was the number of people saying he should go for it because that specific occasion doesn't happen often and needed to be celebrated. This left me thinking, why does a "proper celebration" need to include junk food.

We hear this every day. The child being told, "I'm so proud of your good grades, let's get some ice cream." The wife being told, "Congrats on your promotion, let's go out for dinner - order your favorite dessert." Or how about a class pizza party to celebrate a great school year. There are so many times in our lives that food is offered to us to celebrate or reward us, and I believe this sets us up for failure when it comes to controlling our weight.


We've all heard of emotional eating, feeding the depression or self hatred with bad choices from the menu. But this isn't the only type of emotion eating. Isn't feeding our good feelings, our happy and self loving feeling, with bad choices just as destructive? While it may not contribute to the same type of self-propelled, vicious circle, it does present it's own dangers. I think the best example is one I have witnessed myself several times - the weight loss support group that celebrates with meal out...burgers, fries and all!

Don't get me wrong. I am absolutely not saying that you shouldn't enjoy the foods you love in moderation. In fact, I am an advocate of allowing yourself some treats to prevent yourself from rebounding following a strict diet. However, I do believe that each person needs to really stop and think about WHY they are going to eat the foods they feel are "junk" or "not allowed". If it is because you truly want to allow yourself a small bowl of ice cream because you like it and enjoy it, and have kept your calories in check, then by all means, enjoy. But if the reason is because everyone else is having it to celebrate, perhaps you should rethink it. Having a fruit bowl rather than a chocolate brownie isn't going to damper the occasion or make it any less special. In fact, you may find yourself in an even better mood when your scale doesn't go up following the celebration. Just don't celebrate THAT fact with a cookie.....

Back and Better Than Ever!

I'm back! I cannot believe how incredibly busy life can get as a mom, wife, cook, chauffeur, housekeeper, full time employee....you get the picture. Somehow my blog became swept into the pile of things I just didn't have time for. And lately that has me thinking...how many of us are doing the same with our health?  Let's be honest, diet and exercise take time and work. Time we may not have. Or do we?

I had this exact conversation with my mom a couple days ago. Imagine a person who has 20 pounds to lose. If you told this person they needed to lose all 20 pounds in say, 3 months, I am sure there are many excuses that could be made as to why that isn't possible. No time, too busy with the kids, not enough money to buy healthy foods, my knee isn't able to handle the workouts.....

Now tell that same person that if they lose all 20 pounds in the 3 months, they will be given $100,000. I bet they get those pounds off in a hurry!

Becoming healthy, thinner, in better physical shape....whatever your goal....needs to be a priority. No, you likely won't be handed a small fortune when you reach your goal, but the prize for succeeding is much better than money! You will live longer, feel better, become more confident, finally wear that 2 piece bathing suit!

Let's make our goals our priority. Remind yourself "I HAVE TIME FOR ME". The kids, laundry, television set will not mind you taking 30 minutes to hit the elliptical, get out for a walk, prepare fresh veggies for the week, or read some motivational blogging!

Let's get back on track.

I am going to do the same.

I'm back, and promise more healthy tips and tricks to have you feeling better than ever!