Hypocrite or human?

I was at the grocery store recently, grabbing a few things one evening. After I loaded my chicken breasts, Greek yogurt and avocados on the counter my eyes wandered around as I waited for the cashier to finish waiting on the man in front of me. At the next register there was a woman, about my age, buying a thirty-pack of Bud Light. For a second I gave myself a mental pat on the back. I thought, “look at me with my yogurt and avocados, so health conscious.” I quickly reminded myself that sometimes I’m the girl buying the Bud Light. Hell, I’d probably even throw in a frozen pizza too! Then I felt a little bit guilty.

I’m supposed to set an example. I am trying to make a career out of motivating people to get healthy and fit. Does it make me a hypocrite if I drink beer? Am I not to be trusted if I grab a frozen pizza every now and then when I just don’t feel like cooking dinner? I don’t really think so. I make healthy choices the majority of the time. I also let my guard down sometimes. I’m human, and that’s what I think is my edge. I will always be honest and real with you. I want to help you sustain a healthy lifestyle, knowing full well that you are human too.

I’ll never expect you to give up every single thing that is unhealthy in your diet. And I will never claim that I live that way 100% of the time either. I don’t. I fully support treating yourself, in moderation. Honestly, I think depriving yourself completely of things you enjoy is a bad idea. This is what leads to binging on the very stuff that you’re trying to avoid! In my opinion, it’s a much safer bet to enjoy in moderation than it is to practice deprivation.

 

I guess what I'm trying to say to you, and to myself, is don't feel guilty when you let your guard down. When you throw your diet to the wind for an evening of fun, just remind yourself that you're human. Get back to healthy choices in the morning. Never beat yourself up, that's a complete waste of time.

 

Sometimes you're the girl buying the yogurt and avocados. Sometimes you're the girl buying the beer and frozen pizza. And you know what? Both are okay.