Today I want to cover sabotage thought number 6, in our series of the top 10 sabotage thoughts that stop people from succeeding with weight loss and wellness. Sabotage thought number 6 sounds like this “This doesn’t count.” You know what I’m talking about. This is a way of rationalizing the consumption of high-fat or super-sugary treats or not exercising as you justify it by saying:

This doesn’t count because

• I’m on vacation
• It’s the holidays
• What are weekends for
• I’m not feeling well
• I’ve had a stressful day
• The kids are driving me crazy
• My boss is driving me crazy
• I was in airport
• I was on an airplane
• It was a travel day
• I’m going to work out later- so I can indulge a little right now

Or statements like –  “I have a few drinks only on weekends and when out with my friends” – but when you add it up it tallies 10-15 drinks in a week. I want you to keep it to 3 drinks a week or less. Or you catch yourself rationalizing that – “my life is so stressful I can’t be expected to eat healthy too”.

This doesn’t count and that doesn’t count. The reality is that everything counts. That doesn’t mean that you’re going to performed perfectly in every instance. But giving yourself a pass because you justified a bad behavior by saying this doesn’t count because … – is just you fooling yourself and not owning up to the fact that your self-command is not as good as it ought to be. And the results are always the same – you don’t’ lose any excess weight, your blood cholesterol or glucose doesn’t come down and/or your blood pressure remains high and your fitness level doesn’t improve.

The trick is to catch yourself in the moment when you hear yourself saying these words in your head or out loud to others. In that moment, think about how you can make a better decision or at the very least minimize the damage or cap it, so you don’t re-stuff your fat cells, or raise your cholesterol or blood sugar by too much. Even when you’re on vacation or during the holidays, you should still plan out in advance how you are going to fit some exercise into your schedule, so you don’t lose momentum.

I think you get the idea. Telling yourself that – “This doesn’t count because….” is a sure fire way to keep failing at weight loss and wellness goals. When this thought pops into your head, seize the moment and make the wellness choice in spite of the stress or the circumstances. You’ll be happier with yourself after the fact if you do. I guarantee it.

So eat smart in each moment, live well -including exercise and adequate sleep, and I know you’re going to look and feel great.

Dr. James Meschino
DC,MS, ROHP