SLIPS ARE NORMAL

Nobody is perfect.  We know this on a cognitive level.  For some reason, however, when it comes to weight loss pursuits, we forget that a less than perfect choice doesn't have to lead to more regret. Instead, a less than perfect choice, i.e. many of our choices, are just that--choices.  Because we are never more than three hours away from eating, we can choose a better option when the next snack or meal comes around.

It sounds easy enough.  However, many of our less than perfect choices don't come from a conscious, intentional, rational place.  Many of these choices come from emotion, stress, fatigue, insecurity, procrastination, etc.  We have about 200 choices to make every day about food.  That's a lot of work to do.  When we are fresh and full of energy, not fatigued from the work of the day or the people in our lives, we can make those smart picks.  As the day wears on, the strain increases as does the decision fatigue.  That's when these regretted choices jump up.

Take a step back and look at last week's eating.  When were the times you'd like a "do over?"  Where were the occasions where you couldn't seem to stick to your plan?  What was going on?  What could you try next time?

The important part of a slip is recognizing for what it is, containing it and moving forward quickly. Forgive yourself and move on.  There is no point in dwelling on regret.  Just make a plan to do something different next time.  A quick dose of forgiveness doesn't imply that we are not holding ourselves accountable.  In fact, we are holding ourselves accountable to the humanness in ourselves. We are not perfect, and our eating is not perfect, and it won't ever be.  There is too much distraction involved.  It can be better, though.  Yours and mine.  It can be more intentional.  It can be more healthful.  It can be more satisfying.

As a never-ending work in progress, it is up to each of us to face the day with all the intention, courage, patience, forgiveness and humility we can gather.  It is up to us to make the most of whatever the day, the universe, the people we know have in mind.  It is up to us to learn from our mistakes.  It is up to us to keep going.  One moment at a time.  One choice at a time.  One day at a time.  It is up to us to create the best version of ourselves.  That will promote a lifestyle of health, wellness, wellbeing.  That will produce a payoff well worth the effort.  We all have it in us.  We have to keep going.  We owe it to ourselves.