by Ali Hale -DietBlog.comIt's always easy to come up with reasons to avoid getting going with a healthy eating or weight-loss plan. But all too often, these reasons are really just excuses. Take these five, for example...
1. I've got a party in two weeks, then a vacation. I'll start dieting after that...
Beat the excuse: If you eat sensibly and healthily for two weeks, you'll enjoy the party more (and you'll be in a better frame of mind to make good food/drink choices there). Even if you always gain a little weight on vacation, don't spend the weeks beforehand gaining weight too!
2. I don't have any willpower. If there are snacks in the house, I'll eat them.
Beat the excuse: All of us have willpower - and the "willpower muscle" gets stronger the more we exercise it. If you do find self-discipline a struggle, simply clear the snack foods out of the house, or at least put them somewhere inconvenient. This makes it much harder to succumb to impulse!
3. I can't afford to eat healthily.
Beat the excuse: Come on, you know this one isn't true. You needn't pay for expensive "diet" foods - stick to sensible basics like lean meat, wholegrains and fruit and veggies. You can get your five-a-day for less than $1.50. Skip your usual Starbucks coffee, and you'll have saved enough for your daily fruit and veggies.
4. I can't cook (or don't have time to cook) ... so I eat out a lot, and there's never a healthy option.
Beat the excuse: Learn to cook! Get hold of a student cookbook and teach yourself how to make some simple healthy basics, like a tomato-based pasta sauce. It's really not difficult, and many dishes take only minutes to prepare. If time is really an issue, try making big batches that can be frozen in individual portions.
5. I've been overweight all my life, and I don't think I can change.
Beat the excuse: However long you've been overweight, you can successfully change your habits. Take it one step at a time, and don't chase instant results. Aim for establishing one new healthy habit each week, such as cutting your soda intake or getting your five fruit and veg portions each day.
What's your favorite dieting excuse? How have you beaten it?
Love this article. It's such a great reminder that we are all responsible for our own success. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this, Ali always has good advice!
ReplyDeleteI've heard each one of those lame-o excuses out of someone's mouth at one time or another. I sooo hate it the sound of it, like scratching nails on a chalkboard.
ReplyDeleteGreat article! People always have an excuse if they don't want to take responsibility for their weight.
ReplyDeleteI am a terrible cook but I find simple ways to cook & it works for me. Not exciting but I can live with it. Keeping my weight loss off is hard due to being short & a bod that loves to hold on to weight yet I do it. Yes, I have to work harder than some people but it is what it is. I think we all know people that don't have to work as hard as we do.
There is always an excuse. The key is to get over it, get over any mental stuff holding you back & get accountable to yourself. Find a program that works for you.... everyone can do that!
Yes, it is hard but worth it!
This is just way too true! Always an excuse-I think if I don't lose the weight and try than I have to stop bitching about it not coming off-great post-going to make this one of our hi-fives for next sat!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great list...and so true.
ReplyDeletegreat advice! I am not a cook, I dont like cooking so what I have done is start picking out recipes from my WW cookbook.
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