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There's No Such Thing as Cheating
Is there one right or wrong way to eat? No. Healthful eating requires motivation, balance, flexibility--and the determination to bounce back from a slip-up without surrendering to guilt.
The greatest obstacle to adopting healthy eating habits is guilt. A recent survey showed that more than 75 percent of people feel guilty about eating "bad" foods. Most of us react to a lapse in our diet or exercise regimen by feeling as if all our hard work has been for nothing: "I blew it; I was doing so well. Oh well, I might as well enjoy this weekend and start over on Monday." Or even worse: "I just don't have the motivation or will power to start over and be successful. I quit."
This all-or-nothing diet mentality undermines our efforts. Feeling defeated, we may abandon the healthy habits we've worked so hard to develop and return to our old routine in hopes of starting again sometime in the future: "Maybe this spring will be a better time to start over again." Sound familiar?
We choose structured programs because they relieve us from making choices for ourselves. Following a properly designed program is a healthy choice, but expecting to stick to a regimented eating and exercise plan for a long stretch without deviating is unrealistic and a set-up for failure.
If you begin to change your habits with the assumption that any deviation from your plan will ruin it, you might as well not even begin. Life is full of unplanned obstacles, distractions, and temptations. You can prepare for them by keeping an open mind and maintaining a positive attitude.
 It's Okay to Stray
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