Dooley Noted: 1/4/2015
I had a particularly hard training week.
I ate very clean and hit 2 PRs.
I slept well, and I currently feel pretty amazing.
As I went for Sunday morning fancy coffee with my boyfriend, I eyeballed an almond croissant.
I looked at him and said, “I think I want that.”
Since he is a very healthy eater, I expected him to talk me out of it.
Instead, he said this:
“If you really want that, then have it.”
I noted it was not in my nutrition program.
He said, “Diet is not a cage.”
Man, did that hit me like a punch of awakening.
So many of us vilify certain foods, particularly starchy carbohydrates.
A croissant is not evil – particularly if you rarely eat it.
What you do consistently matters most.
The rigidity of many food plans certainly can feel as if you’re trapped in a cage.
And some see foods as a key that not only unlocks the cage but destroys the food plan completely.
Now I’ll admit something important: I did not feel a speck of guilt with the croissant. That’s probably why I digested it well.
I didn’t bloat, nor feel sleepy, nor beat myself up about it.
My diet is not a cage.
I will also admit the croissant was better in my head.
I shrugged my shoulders and realized I actually enjoy the healthy choices I make. But an occasional deviation doesn’t derail me.
So, let go of the punishment.
Make consistent choices that help you towards your goal – without caging yourself.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley