Quote:
Originally Posted by Linden
I feel an attack of curmudgeon coming on. Not because of Jency's desire to affirm, but because this thread may dwindle into justifications for by-passing the IP program. There's a thread for those who waylay themselves and, if one posts there, she or he shouldn't expect praise or the turning of a blind eye, or helpful excuses.
In all truth, I don't really care if someone cheats. How they do it and why is a very personal thing and I would like to believe it involves a lot of thought and self-realization about commitment, care (especially for personal health and how it affects others), and for the image they project. If that's the case, and they're fine with it, then so am I.
This post is really for the many, many new people who have joined IP recently and come here for information, direction, knowledge, and encouragement. Phase 1 of the IP program is really a very simple, straight-forward, no gimmick regimen to loosing body fat and weight and readjusting your pancreas and other organs while you re-think your approach to food and its relationship to your way of life.
May of us have spent many hours trying to add to the knowledge base of the forum and trying to create an atmosphere in which others can flourish on the program. Even enjoy it. We do this because others have done it before us and because we want to bolster everyone's self confidence and understanding.
Not incidentally I hope, if you're new, you will realize the value of reading widely in the more informative threads. I know I go back and read threads and individual's posts as I progress through the program and I always find something new that is valuable or just plain reassuring. So, bon voyage on a new and, hopefully, permanent journey through life.
I didn't get much curmudgeon out of that. As I review my comments it occurs to me that I could have worded it better. As Linden already knows, search for my posts for where I stand on cheats.
Condensed version: Cheats are bad, expensive, and not worth it. If you want to deviate from the protocol, that's a decision you'll have to make on a personal level with your coach.
Opinions differ regarding cheats. I deviated from the protocol to celebrate 15 years of marriage by sharing an intimate dinner with my wife. I planned to deviate weeks in advance with the go-ahead from my coach. I've been told that my planned deviation was actually worse than what I would term a "cheat" because it was
premeditated. I disagree with that assessment because I feel that there is a social aspect to food that cannot be ignored, and there are life events that take priority to diet protocol. That said, however, I do not use those social aspects and occassions as justification to frequently wander from the protocol. And, to me, this is different than simply wandering into one's pantry and losing control or lacking the willpower to stay away from things that will interrupt success. There are those who post on these forums who seem to stray frequently because they simply can't help themselves. These are the people who
cheat rather than
deviate. I'm not one of those people, because I tend to focus on acheiving goals so I'm not distracted easily. That's why I view a planned deviation from protocol differently than a "cheat." There is a difference between cheating oneself of success, and planning a small reward for success, and that difference all comes down to self-control and priorities.
The point of my previous post (and to make it clear that I generally agree with Linden's comments) was that as long as you're planning to deviate from the protocol, don't do it in a half-a$$ed way. That leads to the slippery slope of rationalization. "I had gravy, but not potatoes" is a mindset that I believe will lead to justification of other deviations from protocol. Rather than start down that path, simply enjoy the meal and don't pig out. Have a small portion of potatoes and a small serving of dessert. Maintain control, even with a deviation, and then get right back on the protocol. Or decide now not to deviate from the protocol. Whatever you choose, consult with your coach. So, Peanuts Mom, don't feel spanked. Just make wise choices that you and your coach can live with.
Personally, I'm too close to my goal to deviate for Christmas. I'd rather be done with IP and on maintenance...