To Eat Cake or Not to Eat Cake, That Is the Question

When you're trying to lose weight, your response to this question can indicate whether or not you will be successful long-term.

When I "dieted" years ago, I would gaze longingly at the cake and respond wistfully, "No, it's not on my diet." What a victim mentality! Although I lost the weight, my feeling of deprivation soon caused me to return to my original way of eating...and eventually gain all the weight back!

Compare this to the attitude of those who make permanent lifestyle changes. Their response is often a breezy, "no thanks, I'm fine," accompanied by a genuine smile as they turn their attention to the people around them rather than to the food. They're secure in their choice and don't feel the need to offer any explanations, but if someone really pressed them they might say, “Of course I can have cake. I’m an adult; no one is stopping me. But I am choosing not to have it because (and then give a reason that resonates for them)… I want to be around for my kids…I want to feel healthy and strong…I’d rather wear size 4 jeans…”

To lose weight and keep it off, we need to focus on creating health in our lives rather than on the “sacrifices” we are making. Having a victim mentality will lead to failure every time. But recognizing that we have the freedom to CHOOSE is what empowers us to dig down deep and find the strength to make permanent lifestyle changes.

"Losing weight is hard. Being overweight is hard. Choose your hard."  (author unknown)