I am a huge planner. Every Sunday I spend two hours planning every detail of my week. From when I am going to study, to when/what I’m going to eat. Call me weird if you will, but it helps keep me sane.
Ever since I started my fitness journey I tried very hard to keep from straying from my diet plan. Not only does it help me keep my nutrition in check, but it also saves an abundance of time during the week not having to think about what you want to eat.
At least… that’s what I told myself. I told myself for so long that I planned my meals because I wanted to ensure my body got all the proper nutrients. That I wanted to save time. That it was just easier this way.
To some extent it was true. At a very base level, I did want to ensure I was getting the right nutrients, save time, etc. But in reality, I was scared of gaining weight. I spent years struggling with weight, I endured the grueling process of altering my entire life, I learned how to eat correctly and exercise properly to get down to my ideal weight. I didn’t want it to all go to waste by slipping up and indulging in my favorite treat.
I knew it wasn’t rational, I knew it wasn’t possible, but for some reason, I couldn’t shake the fear that indulging in a cupcake would cause me to gain all of the weight I lost back.
For the first time in nearly a year, I went off plan. My mom picked up some cupcake and when I found them in a kitchen cabinet I ate one. I didn’t even think about. I just ate it. And it was absolutely delicious. Then I ate a second, and then a third. It was a beautiful moment.
The next morning, I hadn’t gained 30 pounds back. I didn’t even gain 15 back. When I woke up the next morning, I was the same weight I was the day before.
While it took me a long time to feel comfortable with this idea (I’m still working on it), one bad meal isn’t going to affect you. One bad day isn’t going to affect you. Not even three bad days in a row are going to affect you.
A healthy lifestyle is about consistency; anyone will tell you that. But one bad day once in a while is not going to be the be all end all. Indulge once in a while. Life is too short. That single cupcake is not going to do anything to you provided you remain consistent in your nutrition and exercises regime.
Enjoy that cupcake.