Accountability.  It’s funny how being accountable can change things.  I discovered on Saturday that if the people around me know that I am on a “diet” or as I prefer to say, “being healthy”, then I tend to eat more responsibly. 

My in-laws were in town this past weekend for Easter and after my father-in-law offered me some Burger King breakfast sandwhiches and other breakfast treats for the third time, I finally explained that I am trying to eat healthy.  It wasn’t a big deal or anything but they’ve seen me pig out on cookies and other yummy treats at their house before so it was important for me to let them know. 

Once I let the proverbial cat out of the bag, I felt good.  I had reaffirmed my commitment to my health in the face of french toast sticks.

That was when it occurred to me that it would actually make it easier to stick to my diet while they were in town because I had set that expectation for myself in front of them.  I tend to do some splurging on the weekends when I get out of my weekday routine, especially when we have people over.  When it happens, I don’t justify, deny, or candy coat it (haha) and I usually regret it when I make those decisions.   

But that is how I have learned to set my limits.  That is how I learn from my mistakes.  And now, I’ve learned another tool that I can use in my weight loss efforts.