Lose the Perfection

This conversation has been long overdue. Tell me something...How many times have you set out to lose weight for such and such event? It all starts out well. You are motivated to do EVERYTHING right. Lose the bag of chips for lunch, insert carrot sticks here, oh no you messed up on your calories for the day, better spend 5 hours in the gym. 

Let's have a brutally honest conversation with ourselves, is this type of behavior sustainable? First let's examine how long we are going to be able to continue on this trajectory? HMMM...For me about 2 days. There after I am back to my old eating habits, often gaining that 2 pounds of water weight I lost plus 3 more due to my assault on the cheese puffs night before. 

The second thing that needs examining is the underlying mentality of this water boarding form of torture that we call "dieting". This form of "dieting" demands for your perfection. Making perfectly balanced meals and snacks. Perfectly avoiding the numerous temptations, for the ladies even when it's that special time of the month. Even devising a perfect workout plan that helps you burn calories even when your not working out. This leaves no wiggle room for error. 

I can't speak for everyone else, however, I can speak for myself in saying I am far, far, far from perfect. Therefore, can I honestly expect myself stick to a strict regiment for the rest of my life? My honest answer is no and I believe it's possible your answer is along the same lines.  So then, why torture yourself with the never ending list of what you can't do and can't have? Especially, since what is available for your enjoyment is equally infinite. 

I challenge us to cultivate a different mentality in concerns to finding the healthier us . I want us to focus less on dropping pounds and more on becoming healthy. I know we have been down this road a time or two, however, I believe we can accomplish our goals with our new set of eyes. Start small...Pick one thing at a time and stick to it. Whether that be switching from juice/ soda to water or taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator. The most important thing to remember is that you don't have to be perfect...just be yourself. You know your motivations and limitations better than anyone else. So it's up to you to be the captain of your own ship. I am interested to hear what some have decided to let go or add to contribute to your healthy lifestyle.

Need a helpful start? Check out Time's Guide: The 31 Healthiest Foods of All Time (with Recipes)

Healthy recipes.