Everybody recycles-just don’t quit because of it

There is no relapse, but it’s not unusual to occasionally deviate from your weight-release program and slide back into old patterns of unhealthy eating and minimal exercise. In fact, you can expect it to happen-perfection in all things is an illusion, but that’s especially true in releasing weight. But if you have a plan in place to recover when you do recycle, then you can get past it quickly. It takes time and regular reinforcement for your new healthy behaviors to become habits.

Use these tips to help you deal with occasional weight-release setbacks.

• • Skip tempting situations. If potluck parties are just too much temptation, avoid them, at least until you feel more in control of your new eating behavior.
  • Stall. If you’re tempted to indulge in an old favorite food, first ask yourself if you’re really hungry. Chances are, it’s a craving and you may talk yourself out of it. If not, wait a few minutes and see if the desire passes. Or try distracting yourself from your urge to eat- call a friend or take your dog for a walk. If it’s a craving, have a glass of water and wait five minutes. Often a craving for sweet or salty foods is really your body signaling you’re dehydrated.
  • Get some help. Accepting help from others isn’t a sign of weakness, nor does it mean you’re failing.Asking for help is a sign of good judgment, not weakness. You need support from others to keep you on track when you have rough days. I urge you to work with a therapist as you make these changes in your life.
  • Be the boss. Accept responsibility for your own behavior. Remember that ultimately only you can help yourself release eight.
  • Don’t beat yourself up. Learn self-forgiveness. Don’t let negative self-talk (I’ve messed up now! or I’m a failure!) prevent you from getting back on track with your eating and exercise goals. Try not to think of your slip-up as a disaster. Remember that mistakes happen and that each day is a chance to start over.
  • Move through it. Work out your guilt and frustration with exercise. Take a walk or go for a swim. But keep your exercise and activity upbeat. Never use it as punishment for a lapse.
  • Review your goals often. Go over your weight-release goals and Your Slender For Life™ Commitment regularly and make certain they’re still realistic. Remember, healthy weight loss is not too fast-one to two pounds a week is a healthy rate.
  • Think ahead. Note potential problems, and make a list of possible solutions. Then try a solution. If it works, you’ve got a strategy for preventing another lapse. If it doesn’t, go on to the next solution and keep trying until you find one that works.

  And what if you do experience a weight-loss setback? Although relapses are disappointing, they can help you learn to keep your goals realistic, understand what high-risk situations to avoid or realize that certain strategies don’t work for you. Above all, realize that a relapse is temporary-you are not a failure. Reverting to old behaviors doesn’t mean that all hope is lost. It just means you need to recharge your motivation, recommit to your plan and return to healthy behaviors. And most likely, also be more faithful with your daily self-hypnosis.

  Becoming Slender For Life pages 216 – 217

Since January 2, 1997
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