We all need a little balance...

You are going to be really good from now on so that you will reach your weight goal.  Only low fat, low sodium, low sugar, low calorie meals allowed.  Oh, and maybe snacks, but only if you work out.  Does that sound familiar?  This usually equates to the all too common daily intake that leaves you hungry and unsatisfied after you’ve made it past the honeymoon phase of dietary self-discipline (that first week when you feel empowered because you’ve succeeded at, unfortunately, depriving yourself). 

To reap results during your weight loss journey, YES you need a plan and YES you need dietary self-discipline, but you absolutely have to remember that life and eating must come with balance. 

Again, how often do “diets” fail because it becomes too hard to maintain for any length of time.  Expected when you remove the enjoyment of food out of the equation.  Why can’t you enjoy healthier foods and flavors?  Why can’t you make healthier decisions more convenient?  Eating a more nutritious diet does not have to be SO hard.  It will take some changes and planning, but think of all the effort and “tough times” you go through during a deprivation diet of some sort.  That effort can be put to better use, slowly but surely establishing lifelong healthy habits.

Back to the balance.  What do I mean?  I mean that it is quite silly to think that you will go the rest of your life without a treat, a dessert, a piece of fried chicken, a piece of pizza, or without finding yourself at a baseball game, carnival, fair, or other event with less than “diet friendly” food.  You must learn how to handle these foods or events without reckless abandon, but also realize that you CAN have them from time to time.  You CANNOT have them all of the time, but be realistic and don’t stress yourself out in a situation where the ideal healthy choice is not available. 

The beauty of eating a nutritious, balanced diet every day is that you are not going to ruin everything by enjoying a day at the ball-park, local festival or a dinner with your friend from out of town that just MUST try the diner down the street.  Most days aim to get all your food groups, eat moderate portions, have healthy snacks, and cook using healthy techniques (don’t forget the flavor!).  Then let yourself have a cupcake on your birthday, have a hotdog at the ball bark, or enjoy the unique and tasty experience which is Food Truck Fridays in Charlotte, NC, like I did this week.  Yes, my meal was not a part of my typical diet, but I absolutely enjoyed without guilt (just a little indigestion – a good reminder why I don’t eat this way weekly) a Friday evening out with my hubby at a cool (well actually quite warm) event we’ve only ever talked about attending.  With about 8-10 different food trucks to choose from we perused our options and ended up getting our meals from two different trucks.  Should I tell you what I had?  Of course, because it doesn’t represent my typical intake, but does represent some of the balance I allow when it comes to food.  The evening was not just about the food, but about the environment and fun we had enjoying a local tradition. 

Prime Rib Au Jus from Chef Street Bistro (yep, shaved prime rib with Swiss cheese, mushrooms, Tabasco onions and a side of hash browns).  It was tasty and I was full.  We took a stroll around town after our meal and I felt a little lighter.  As you practice healthier food habits…when you do eat items like my dish this evening, although you’ll enjoyed it, you may feel a little icky, maybe have some heartburn, and might even find yourself craving vegetables!  It’s true!  Great motivation to get back to the norm.

Have a plan, work on building a nutritious balanced diet with flavor that is realistic long term, and practice it 95% of the time.  Letting yourself take part in some of your favorite less “healthy” foods every once in a while may actually better help you stick to your plan overall.  It’s life!