5. Eat Not Cheat
As discussed in prior blogs within this series, our positive perspective, and those of our friends and family, have a significant impact on our success with healthy eating. As a society, we typically define the holidays as our “cheat days”. Have we actually considered what this means?
Merriam Webster gives ten definitions of the word cheat and its variations (link to those here). All of these definitions share a common characteristic of either being deceitful or trying to unlawfully/unethically gain an advantage. If we understand the more accurate meaning, why do we use that framework? When we eat off plan, what advantage (aside from momentary satisfaction) are we gaining?
Think about it. Based off of the actual definition, if we were to cheat with food we would have to gain an advantage, as if we were taking steroids or something.
Cheating = Gaining an Unfair Advantage
What is taking steroids? When not prescribed, steroids help you gain an advantage illegally.
Eating Off Plan = Losing a Desired Advantage
What is eating a donut? It is not illegal. When eating donuts off plan, they give you an unwanted outcome.
The traditional “cheater” mindset restricts our thoughts & feelings surrounding food to being negative. So much so that when we decide to eat off plan and indulge on that sugar-covered-ball-of-fried-heaven, we see it as a failure. THAT IS NOT TRUE.
When we eat off plan does it mean we will get off scot-free? No.
Does it mean that the next time we go to the doctor we’ll be told that we’re going to die of a heart attack because of that one donut? Of course not! (this is because cardiovascular disease is compounding)
Does it mean we might have to take a tums or that we’ll need to work out a little harder or be a little more disciplined? Maybe
Eating off plan does not mean you have failed in your journey at maintaining a healthy lifestyle nor that have you “cheated”. It simply means that you have eaten off plan. When we stay with the “cheat” mentality, we tell ourselves that we are disqualified and do not meet the requirements to better ourselves. This guilt, which we rationalize away as “cheating”, keeps us from striving past the temptation.
Flip it around.
Instead of a “cheating” mindset we need to realize that eating off plan is just sub-optimal.
I have found and truly believe our mindset is what ultimately prepares us to have the ability to think and move beyond temptation. It is through establishing AND maintaining this kind of mindset that will enable us to foster thoughts and behaviors that sustain a healthy lifestyle.
Temptations will come, this is certain and okay. We should not be surprised or worried when the thoughts and desires of eating something not on plan comes to mind. What IS most important is that you know it will happen and it is okay to not be perfect.
I’ll say it again….. IT’S OKAY TO NOT BE PERFECT.
Instead of striving for perfection we should be striving for perseverance. Do not punish yourself out of the game, have your donut…BUT stay disciplined after and get back in the game.
-NT