Conventional “wisdom” says when trying to lose weight, it’s a good idea to have a “cheat” day where it’s okay to eat whatever you want, guilt free- because it’s “psychologically” important not to deprive yourself.
Let’s see how this conventional wisdom is working out so far…
Two out of three Americans overweight or obese.
300,000 Americans dying annually from weight related health issues [according to the CDC].
Only 5% of people succeeding at a permanent physical transformation.
Why such grim statistics?
Because of self defeating concepts like “cheat day.”
Regardless of the issue, “cheat” is another word for “make an exception” without regard to the consequences.
How would it feel if your significant other wanted to have a cheat day, where they could sleep with whomever they wanted [for “psychological” reasons]?
Would you keep your kids in a school that had a cheat on exam day?
Does any recognized religion have a “sin” day, where you get to do “whatever?”
I suppose someone needs to explain to me why integrity is important, except when it comes to our health. Maybe I’m an “extremist” but I don’t see the benefit of “cheating” on the ONLY body you’ll ever have.
Nor do I don’t see why it would be prudent to “make an exception” when it comes to what’s going to influence your future more than most any set of circumstances; your health.
Let me ask you a few poignant questions:
Do you really want to be anxiously awaiting the result of a cancer screening and think “I wish I hadn’t cheated so much on my diet.”
Right now there’s multiple applicants for every job opening. Do you really want to be competing with someone that looks healthy and fit? [Yes, your burden on health care costs will be a factor.]
How did I overcome the “it’s no big deal” mentality [that made me fail here for thirty years]?
I decided to see food the way I see right or wrong. It’s black or white, there’s no grey area.
It’s either good for me, or it isn’t.
I can’t tell you how mentally liberating that is. Not only does it save time and effort, it totally eliminates countless mental battles.
What is right and wrong to eat? That question can only be addressed by you. [If you want a hint, it’s going to be things that you know you shouldn't eat, but somehow justify having.]
I know this is an unusual way to approach this issue, but here’s what I want you to see:
It’s not about the food, it’s about you seeing something in your life that’s not helping you, and doing something about it.
Regardless of how insignificant it seems or alluring it is.
This should give you a better understanding of why I say transforming your body, life, and future is a mental issue, not a physical one.
It’s not going to be which natural foods or exercises you choose that’s going to change your life…
It’s going to be developing the conviction to no longer make exceptions- in a world that uses every trick to convince you that exceptions are “no big deal” or something “you deserve” [and not because the world cares about your freedom, it cares about your money].
Here’s what the “you deserve it” crowd doesn’t want to tell you: Problems don’t go away by being avoided.
They get bigger and worse.
If you have a problem with eating unhealthy food, cheating isn’t dealing with the problem, it’s avoiding it.
Where else has this mentality brought us?
To the brink of bankruptcy as a country.
To a gigantic rise in dependent and morally bankrupt people.
Again, forget this has anything to do with food, and think about the crux of the issue:
You’re learning how to live with integrity, using one of your most powerful and exploited emotions- your health emotions- to set the standard.
In other words, you’re preparing yourself to be the type of person that can do and handle anything, regardless of circumstances or what every one else does.
Allow me to take the exception / avoid the issue mentality one step further.
At this very moment, the world is trying to figure out how to deal with a quadrillion dollars of debt.
Do you think there’s a possibility that world governments are going to need to make some “sacrifices” to deal with this reality?
[In my experience “sacrifice” always mean one thing, those in power keep their funded lifestyle, while the rest of us figure out how to make due with less.]
Mark my words, as the U.S. tells it’s citizens it’s time for “shared sacrifice” we’re going to need to become out of the box thinkers that know how to stand on principle.
We’re going to need to be people that see things as they are, and have the courage to do something about them.
If you want to change as a person, and I mean REALLY CHANGE, few things will permanently transform you like learning how to treat your body with integrity in today’s society.
Yes, the improvements in the mirror are great, but I think you’ll be amazed at the change in your strength, clarity, and personal freedom.
If this all sounds radical and extreme to you, consider what I’m really suggesting…
Eat natural food and get active once a day… so you learn now, how to hold yourself to a higher standard… so you learn now, how to be prepared for whatever the future holds.
Radical and extreme ideas? About as radical as the ideas of personal responsibility and integrity.
To your health and success, and may God bless,
Michael
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