Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, which means so are the chocolate dipped strawberries, romantic meals, chocolate boxes, fondues, Hershey’s kisses, chocolate cakes, candy boxes…..I think you get the point! All these treats are irresistible and hard to pass up. Holidays are a time where everyone indulges and then feels guilty or promises to get back on track when they are over. It becomes a cycle, which eventually tortures all of us.
Why don’t you make it easier this year? Start by setting a goal and being aware of what you are doing or how you are feeling about the sweets in front of you. Try taking just one bite of your dessert to satisfy your craving. Or maybe, eat the piece of cake or some chocolate strawberries, but be mindful of what you intake the rest of the week. You don’t have to deprive yourself and go “cold turkey.” Totally eliminating a food does not help any situation — it only makes it worse. Trying to cut down on something should be done as a step-wise process. It should be done at a slow pace. It should be in a way that you are making progress and feeling good about it. Who wants to be miserable all the time? Not me!
As Valentine’s day approaches, why not add a couple of extra workouts before and after this special day? Make a meal at home or go on a romantic walk with your significant other. How about taking a yoga class together or watching a movie at home with popcorn? I love the idea of buying snack size chocolate or eating fruit to satisfy my sweet tooth. If you need the chocolate, then get some of your favorite fruits and dip them in your own melted chocolate, so you can control the amount of sugar. Sometimes the best way to control over-eating or cravings is to just stay at home and truly enjoy each other’s company.
Now, of course if you break down and don’t follow any of these suggestions, remember that it is okay. Tomorrow is another day and you can get back on track to eating a better diet. But remember, the key to success in anything is staying consistent. Not going up and down, not procrastinating, and not promising to start over all the time. If you want to live a healthy life, then it takes time, it takes work, but it is a goal that can change your life. Valentine’s day is about being with the ones you love, appreciating them and remembering the journeys you have taken together and the many more wonderful adventures to come.