1fatgirlthin

I am trying to get back to the reason I have this blog and that is to keep myself on track as far as maintaining my goal weight and inspiring others on a similar journey.

You would think that Summer would be the perfect time to be on a diet with all of the fresh fruits and vegetables that abound this time of year. However, I have heard from so many people that they are going along great and then there are ball games, barbecues, picnics, weddings etc. that take them away from their goal.

So far it has been 7 months into my maintenance program and I have kept my weight within my goal of 131 – 135. That is not to say that it has always been easy or that I haven’t let myself splurge a bit. We all have to eat and a lot of us, myself included, love to eat. The one thing I have found during this journey is that I have become extremely picky. I plan out my splurges for the really good stuff and then I let myself thoroughly enjoy it without the guilt. Diets have room for extras just not all of the extras. Let’s say you are going to the ball game and you really want a hot dog. Okay. You can have that hot dog but just don’t have the nachos, cheese fries, cotton candy, cracker jack and all of that other stuff too. That can be your downfall. Also, if you are going to the game on Saturday you don’t have to throw caution to the wind on Tuesday and eat all week leading up to the game. Be careful all week and then enjoy yourself at the game.The one thing I have learned is to splurge for one meal or for one day and then get back on track. That way you really enjoy the special times but you are not paying the consequences for days afterward.

If you have gotten off track this summer don’t beat yourself up about it. This is a great time to get back on a diet. The sun sets later so you can stay more active and treat yourself to some delicious fresh fruits and vegetables. Stone fruits like peaches and nectarines are in season as well as berries and sweet corn. Sprinkle a little brown sugar on the peaches or a dollop of cool whip or light whipped cream on the berries and you will think you are having a special treat which you are but without the guilt. The other thing to do is to challenge yourself with a new exercise goal or try a new class. We just bought a stand up paddle board and have had lots of fun paddling up and down the lake. Enjoy the rest of the summer and know that you can still have fun without making huge sacrifices. After all you are worth it!