I came across this image today when looking up some inspirational pictures to get myself mentally ready for the day....
Cue mind blown.
I never considered this before. We give our dogs treats for good behavior, for learning a new trick... what kind of mentality are we setting up for ourselves. The idea of a "cheat day" is that this is a temporary moment, and that we are taking a break from it to do what we want. Not only are you capable of easily undoing all of your hard work and discipline from the week, you are also telling yourself that this is a temporary situation, and setting yourself up to maintain an unhealthy relationship with food. That being said, I'm not implying that you should never have that ice cream, never have pizza, and live in a carbless gray area of bore food for the rest of your days. What I am suggesting however, is that instead of waiting all week to "reward" yourself for good behavior with food... why not work the things you are craving into your diet? This removes the binging behavior and tendency that got you here in the first place, and also teaches you how to live, sustain, and maintain healthy eating habits that wont just get the fat off, but keep it off. If you want to treat yourself, go have fun! Do something! Get out of your house and spend the money you would of on that extra food on an experience, something you will remember far past the moment of eating that "insert whatever cheat day food".
Personally, I know that I didn't get to my weight by the various excuses I have placed the blame with over the years. Various medicines... Medical issues. Two kids in two years. Breastfeeding. Lack of venue to exercise.... I really wish I could have looked at myself and really slapped some sense into me. I got here as a direct result of my relationship with food, lack of self control and discipline, and ignorance of how much I was eating even when I wasn't binging. Now I know, it is my responsibility and mine alone to take the control of my life. I can either live in the moments in between weeks, where I have a cheat day, and do what I want... suggesting that the rest of my life is not what I want, and I'm merely waiting for my treat like a puppy... or I can learn the self control and discipline to have the things I want, within the limits of my goals, and create the lifestyle that can sustain my goals and happiness.
I choose.
Just my two cents.
65 days.