We’ve all been there

You’re doing great at sticking to your clean eating and fitness goals.

The next thing you know you’re staring at a table of bagels and cream cheese at a work meeting, or a plate of loaded potato skins at you’re companies monthly social event.

Listen I’m the first to admit that and occasional indulgence is crucial to sticking to a healthy eating plan.  I tell my TFW members every week to be strict but also enjoy your life.

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But when you indulge all the time you are no longer “treating’ yourself.

So from now on I want you to ask yourself ONE question when faced with whether or not to indulge:

“Does this choice move me closer to my goal?”

That goal doesn’t necessarily need to be weight-loss related, but it can be.

It can be about anything – exercising more, drinking more water, eating more protein whatever it is you’re working toward.

Here’s what to do.

If your answer is maybe…

I’m not telling you to analyze every piece of food you put inn your mouth. We all have that list of cheat foods or meals memorized..

If you’re not quite sure whether you should eat it or not consider these FOUR questions:

1. Is it worth it to me? Is this food something I legitimately love and need? Is this a special isolated situation like grandmas famous cheesecake that you get once a year during the holidays or is it something you can have any time? If the answer is the latter, it’s not worth it.

2. Why do I want this? In times of weakness I myself have said this words out loud. It makes me think of the situation rationally with my brain instead of my stomach.

3. Do I feel pressured into eating this?  Anytime we are eating clean friends or people around you can make you feel guilty for not eating something. I’ve been there and deal with this a lot. It takes conviction and toughness, but stand up for yourself and tell them directly that they shouldn’t worry about what you do or don’t eat.

4. How will I feel after eating this? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been super excited to eat a plate of Buffalo Wings only to feel terrible after. Ask yourself If I eat this will I feel guilty after?

If the answer is no…

If it’s  no keep it moving.

Don’t look back. It’s totally normal to experience that inner chatter we tell ourselves like I’m only going to eat it this one time. But, sometimes it’s not really just that one time. If it’s not in line with your goal and you know you’re not going to feel good about it after, then it may be best to save that cheat for another occasion when the splurge does feel worth it to you.

If you know it’s not healthy but you really want it…

Eat it

Live. But you have to have the confidence that you’ll be able to make what we call at TFW Mahopac a “U-

TURN” that means you get right back on track with your usual healthy habits starting with your next meal or day.

Occasionally indulging can help you stick to a long term plan because it helps you avoid feeling deprived. However be mindful of what it is you are indulging in and how often you are doing this. If you find yourself questioning every single thing you eat, talk to a nutrition expert like a therapist or a registered dietitian.

At TFW Mahopac we have certified nutrition coaches dedicated to helping our members with developing healthy habits as well as establishing a confident, healthy relationship with food.  Our aim is to help you develop a mind set that will allow you to spend less time stressing and more time enjoying food.

Do you struggle with not knowing what to eat?  Are a person that is always dieting and never seeing results?  Fill out the form below and schedule a free Nutrition Consultation with one of our qualified coaches