The Next Twenty

Okay... I had a terrible weekend. I had one of those feel sorry for myself weekends that we have from time to time. When I am feeling like this I turn to food and there is no way to stop me. Luckily I don't go into "The Pitty Pot Mode" very often... but when I do it is oh so bad!

Weekends are tuff under the best of circumstances... (that is why I "weigh-in" on Fridays...).

I did do a lot of running around this weekend and painted my dining room so at least I wasn't just sitting on the couch eating brownies... although I totally thought about it!

Anyway... here is my inspiration for the day. A little long so just skim it for the highlights...


Weekend Diet Tips - Stop Cheating!

By Cheryl Dennett
Takeaways
2009 Associated Content, Inc.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/411723/weekend_diet_tips_stop_cheating.html?cat=51

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  All it takes is a little planning to be able to stay on your healthy eating plan.
  Rewards do not have to be food.
  

Dieting is hard work. When we work that hard, sometimes we feel the need to reward ourselves. Unfortunately, that reward often takes the form of cheating on diets. Here are some tips to help you get past this pitfall and stay on your healthy eating plan.
The most common weekend pitfall is when dieters think they can splurge on the weekend because they have been through a tough week. It is normal to feel the need for a reward when you have been working hard. But, instead of rewarding yourself with food, try something else. Perhaps you could buy a book you've been wanting. Or treat yourself to that DVD or CD you've been looking at for a while. Going to a movie can be a special treat, as well.
But, if you just have to have some type of food reward, try choosing one portion of a favorite food. Be sure this food is a treat. It is not as much of a reward if you eat something you have all the time.
Another common belief is that if you go out, you have to eat more that you normally would. A good way to get past this is to plan activities that center around food. You could do something such as shopping or visit a local exhibit of art. Eating lunch out instead of supper is a way to eat less, but still enjoy a meal outside of your home.
When you have worked hard all week, sometimes all you want to do is relax during the weekend. However, don't let your exercise program go by sitting on the couch all weekend. This can lead to a longer period of putting off exercise. Go ahead and sit on the couch and watch television, but set a time limit. And, sometime during the day get up and participate in some type of physical activity. It doesn't have to be vigorous, but it should get your body moving.
It is also a major stumbling block to believe you cannot eat healthy because of your obligations. Even when you have errands, grocery shopping and chores around the house, you can make time to eat right. It doesn't take a lot of planning to produce a healthy meal. It just takes a bit more effort than pulling out the cold cuts and making a sandwich.
Even if you are busy on the weekends, you should be sure to take a bit of extra time to stay on your healthy eating plan. Your health should not be put on the back burner to a busy schedule. Take the time to plan your meals and don't use rewarding yourself for hard work as an excuse to go off your diet.