Rationalization is one of the best coping mechanisms that we have. When it comes to dieting, we can rationalize away any inappropriate action we have ever taken with excuses such as:
"Mike is eating a burger and fries and looks great - If he eats this way so should I."
However, in your mind it cannot be justified.
I have heard just about every possible line from my friends on my way to my fitness success. "This one time won't ruin your diet", "You can't let your diet ruin your life," or one of my favorites "Don't worry about it you can work it off at the gym in the morning".
This is always from people who are either overweight, have a fast metabolism and never had to worry about it, or from my married friends. They don't have the will power to change their own diet so they think you shouldn't either - they just can't relate or they forgot how to eat healthy when they got married.
Don't make changes to impress someone, they will be more impressed with your dedication and desire to succeed.
You Have Two Choices:
- Remain committed to improve your healthy lifestyle.
- Give into peer pressure.
By choosing the first, you are anticipating the temptations before they happen. You're planning ahead so that you can reach your goals. There will be ups and downs that provide windows of opportunity to determine your values and goals. Think of using all obstacles as stepping stones to build the lifestyle you want.
If you give into peer pressure however, you're more likely to be upset with yourself for not sticking to your meal plan. Realistically are you really going to be sitting around after you eat that burger thinking how good it was? And how tasty the grease was on those fries? No way! Change your choice and tackle the obstacles that will hinder your forward progress!
Tips To Help You Stay Focused
Educate Them With Your Healthy Lifestyle
If you are getting results and you can sense they would like to make changes themselves, let them know that what they are eating is 80% of losing weight.
If you really are passionate about this lifestyle then it will be easy for you to inspire them to make better choices. Be supportive - a big key in long term weight control comes from receiving encouragement and support from others.
Focus instead on spending time with your family and friends and not the variety of foods in front of you.
Plan A Cheat Meal
If you know that you have a scheduled meal coming up to enjoy a guilt-free meal then you will less likely care what everyone else is eating.
Stay Focused
Enjoy Your Meals
When you start seeing results from the way you look and the way you feel from eating healthy there is no way that you will ever let someone else's eating habits effect yours.
Drink Water When You Get Together With Your Friends
I know this might sound crazy, but listen. If you tell yourself you're only going to have a few cocktails and not eat any of the desserts. You will find yourself over at the food table before you know it.
After that alcohol hits your system you will start to justify in your mind that it is okay to binge on some of those naughty desserts.
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Slow Down
When you are at dinner with your friends and family, take your time eating your meal. When you take more time you will have less time sitting and watching them eat. Also, eating more slowly is one method that can help take off some weight.
Because from the time you begin eating it takes your brain 20 minutes to start signaling feelings of fullness. Fast eaters often eat beyond their true level of fullness before the 20 minute signal has had a chance to set in.
The amount of calories consumed before you begin to feel full can vary significantly depending on how quickly you eat. So slow down, take smaller bites, and enjoy Salmon and veggies!
You Be The Cook!
If you let someone else cook for you, then more then likely your not going to get the types of nutrients you need to build muscle or lose the weight.
I know your parents or significant other might be the best cook in town, but if their adding butter, fatty sauces and deep frying meals for the both of you or the whole family then you need to nominate yourself to put on the chef's hat!
Go Grocery Shopping
If you're not the one doing the grocery shopping in your house then either go along for the ride and help decide on healthier selections of foods, or start clipping coupons and making it a part of your life. I actually enjoy shopping for foods. I would also look into applying for one of those wholesale clubs.
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Deciphering The Food Label Code!
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Conclusion
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Transformation Combo.
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With the percentage of obese people in this world today, it's very clear where priorities are. Fast, convenient, and "great" taste is the only priority for most people.
The reason for eating food in the first place hardly comes to mind with a lot of people. Not everyone has the education, the time, or the means to eat healthy. There are people who don't know that chicken nuggets are worse for them than grilled chicken.
There are no easy solutions though unless we educate them and they are willing to take the right steps to fix the problem.
When I hear somebody tell me that Dieting is hard, I am always tempted to ask; compared to what?
louis@bodybuilding.com
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