I got a call the other day from a lovely lady asking about my Today’s the Day plan. We discussed how I might best work with her to assist her in losing weight. Toward the end of the conversation she asked me if she should begin right away or wait until after Easter, since it’s next week.
I told her that it is not what you do between Thanksgiving and New Year’s that makes or breaks you – but what you do between New Year’s and Thanksgiving! I encouraged her to go through the print book she was going to purchase to familiarize herself with the plan, enjoy her Easter celebration and then contact me and we would discuss how she can begin the 7 week coaching plan.
Even if she had been on the plan for weeks, as one client has been, I would suggest the same thing. My other client is now in week 4 coaching with me. If she “goes off” the plan on Easter Sunday with her family – does she undo all her hard work? NO!!! Absolutely not.
In fact, at times, taking one day and eating whatever you want and then just going right back to the plan the next day can boost your results! It can motivate and encourage you to redouble your efforts. We cannot become so rigid, unrealistic and inflexible that “life” cannot happen unless everything goes perfectly all the time. It won’t and part of the plan is to teach you how to develop a different relationship with food – a healthier relationship. Then a holiday or a business dinner or impromptu schedule change will not throw you into a tailspin and cause you to get discouraged and give up completely.
So, can you go off on Easter? YES! Enjoy your family, enjoy the traditional family favorite foods, celebrate our wonderful Risen Lord and don’t stress over it. Enjoy it, savor it. And go back to your healthy eating on Monday. It’s as simple as that.
Very insightful Ann! We only have this one skin while here on earth and should always feel comfortable in it; for it is and always will be our actions and deeds that define who we are.
Thank you for commenting Mike. And I agree – our words and actions, as well as our motives for them, will define who we are and the true value of what we do.
Ann, it is so nice to have your comments on your blogs confirm what I have been reading and studying about nutrition and diet the past year. One of the things that was mandatory on the Metabolic Effect program I used was the concept of a weekly “cheat” meal. That your metabolism would actually slow down due to the prolonged caloric reduction, but would recalibrate and kick back up due to the cheat meal. The only problem I had was that the cheat meal would sometimes turn into a cheat DAY! Ha. But, just like you said, I didn’t let that hinder my long term goals and still made excellent progress in the long run.
You’re absolutely right about that Michael and that’s part of the Today’s the Day plan – and to be perfectly honest – I see nothing wrong with a cheat day once in a while – as long as you go back the next day – I think it does keep your body from slipping into starvation mode and holding on to weight.
Oh to hear this is music to my ears… I get so stressed out sometimes around the holidays thinking I’m going to over-do it. And that I’ll need to triple time my workout if I do, that following week. It’s about the relationship with food over the long haul that really matters, and what kinds of habits we’ve built along the way. Thanks Ann!
Ann,
Great reminder, so true. It’s all about balance. If we go for all or nothing, we’re not setting ourselves up for success very well. I know for me, when I’m just starting out on something, it’s easier to fall into this trap. I think it’s because I’m excited and ready to enjoy the benefits of the new change. I guess it helps to think big picture like you encourage your clients to do.