The Fat Perfectionist

How many times have you started a workout routine, either at home, in the gym, or outside, and given up on it? How many diets have you started, fad or healthy, and stopped the minute something "unhealthy" crossed your lips? In my case I have lost count on both occassions.

The thought process of a lot people I've know who have struggled with weight control is that if they slip up, if they can't do a certain move or certain kind of exercise, then everything is a waste. When that cookie binge, or bag of chips are eaten, their entire diet has been shot. When a day of workout schedule is missed, then the entire workout regimen is toast.

When you dig under the bad eating habits and the lackluster exercise routines, the root of my weight issues lies in Perfectionism. I've always been an "all-or-nothing" kind of girl and it is what ballooned the scale up above 300 pounds.

So, how did I break out of the habit? Truth is, I haven't entirely. That voice in the back of my head that ridicules me for not doing something exactly as the trainers do, or that tells me that the piece of chocolate I just ate has ruined all of my healthy eating efforts is still present. And it's really loud sometimes. The trick is to learn to ignore it. Tell it to shut up and keep on moving.

Everyone, even the most fit of us, have days where trying to get healthy and stay there is a struggle. But think about it: If it were easy, would any of us be overweight, unhealthy and out of shape? I don't think so. On those days when you slip, when you miss a workout, or you eat too much, do not under any circumstances give up. Don't wallow in the self-loathing and the guilt.

On those days, do whatever you can to recify the situation. Missed a workout? Cut down on your calories that day. Ate too much? Either throw another workout in, go for a walk or taper the rest of your calories for the day. And if there is nothing you can do to make things better on that day? Let it go.

Yea, I said it. Just let it go. Tomorrow is another day to do what is right for your body. Chalk it up to a bad day and keep moving forward. You have ruined nothing. Tomorrow is another chance to work out, eat right, and stay on that healthy track."Fall seven times, stand up eight." Just because you have made a mistake, it doesn't mean you have failed. Keep going and you will be better for it.