What You Really Deserve

After a week of working really hard to stay committed to your diet and fitness goals have you ever rationalized that it’s “ok to cheat on the weekend.”  I have seen it happen frequently. I once had a client who gained and lost the same few pounds every week due to her weekend indulgences. It wasn't until she stopped this self-sabotaging pattern that she was able to get past her weight loss plateau and reach her goals.

For some, it might be the the need to relax. After a long stressful day how often have you told yourself, “I deserve a glass of wine, a bowl of ice cream, an order of wings, or ________?”  Fill in the blank with your favorite vice.  Perhaps you are inspired by the fast food chain restaurant reminding you that you “deserve a break today.”   Unfortunately, you haven’t given yourself a break. Instead, you fell back a step or two. 

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with an occasional indulgence. The key is how often and how much.  If you stop and get your favorite holiday specialty coffee everyday, it is not an indulgence, it’s a habit. Even if you get the “skinny” version that only has 110 calories, it will still net you an extra 770 calories in a week.  Multiply that out and you will gain a pound from your “skinny” drink between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Add that pound to the pounds gained from extra cookies you ate when you “rewarded” yourself for choosing the “skinny” drink. I’m guessing that added pounds weren’t the reward you were looking for. All of a sudden you’re not feeling very merry!  

It’s not that you don’t deserve a break or a reward. Hard work deserves a reward and we all could certainly use a break from the stresses of our lives.  It’s just that your reward shouldn’t be something which will sabotage you.  Try not to reward yourself (or others) with indulgences that are caloric.  Instead, reward yourself with activities.  It was a rough day?  You deserve to get outside and take a walk or go for a run.  The fresh air and endorphins will make you feel better.  Are you overwhelmed looking at the piles of laundry?  You will feel better about folding it knowing that you took the time to go to the yoga class you’ve been meaning to attend.  Stressed out by the holiday craziness?  Stop and enjoy the spirit of the season by reading a favorite book to your child. Relax with a cup of herbal tea while you make a phonecall to an old friend. 

So go ahead, reward yourself. Indulge in something special, just don’t sabotage yourself. What you truly deserve is to be healthy and reach your goals!