Happy - and Healthy - Valentine's Day!

Even though most of us do pretty well staying on plan most of the time, we are often challenged to stay committed to our healthy goals when holidays and special events arrive.  Today is Valentine's Day, a day that often includes a multitude of food temptations.  If your Valentine's celebration usually centers around food, how will you graciously deal with those who want to buy you candy, or make a decadent meal or dessert?

A friend of mine sent me an article from Dr. Phil that addresses just such a scenario.  Here's what Dr. Phil suggests:

"You have been very good about sticking to your healthy eating plan and don’t want to find yourself sliding backward. How can you resist the pressure from family and/or friends to eat a big, decadent meal?  You might say: “I have a lot invested in what I’m doing, so please don’t take offense if I either bring my own food or turn down something you’ve worked hard to make. This is really important to me, and I appreciate your support.” "

I think this is a GREAT way to let people know that while you appreciate their thoughts and efforts, their best gift to you this year is their support.  If you may be facing such a scenario, I really suggest that you practice saying this until you're comfortable.  If you look someone in the eye, smile and tell them how much you appreciate what they want to do (or have done), it really will be OK :-).

This is your journey to a healthier you, so don't be afraid to make the choices you need to make today to keep you moving in the direction you want to go.  Reaching your healthy weight will enable you to celebrate many Valentine's Days with the people you love for years to come.  That's the best Valentine's Day gift you can give to them, and it's the best Valentine's Day gift you can give yourself.

But since this is a day for giving gifts to those we love, how about making today's choice to stay on plan your Valentine to others?  The cards that are given today will soon be thrown away (or tucked away to be all but forgotten), the flowers will fade and be tossed, and the chocolate . . . we won't go there :-).  These traditional expressions of love have a pretty short shelf life, and while they are nice sentiments, they don't have lasting value.  With that in mind, another response to someone who wants to give you a food gift today might be, "Thank you so much for caring enough about me to give this to me/make this for me.  My gift to you is to get healthy so that we can enjoy many more years together."  What do you think?

As always, it's your choice.  Choose wisely :-)