Getting off track

I have been a vegetarian for nearly 20 years.  Off and on I have tried to go completely vegan, this goal usually lasts about a week before I just give in and resume eating dairy.  During the last few months I have notices my clothes getting tighter and my body putting on some weight, particularly around my middle.  I already eat a relatively healthy diet and the only other thing I could think of was to eliminate all animal products for good.  Over the past several years I have desired to live animal free, but found that I just couldn't sustain it.  I want to be as healthy as possible, and free from contributing to animal cruelty, but I have had a hard time giving up the freedom of processed foods (which all have some trace of egg or cheese in them).  I always blow it about 9 days in and go back to my dairy eating ways.

This time I intend for it to stick!

The good news is that I have maintained a 99% vegan diet for about a month...OK I had Chipotle and I know they have butter in their rice...but I was almost perfect!  My pants are fitting better, I have more energy and my consciousness is clean.  I was am really proud of myself.

So imagine this evening how I am feeling knowing that I consumed 2 munchkins after lunch and 3 oatmeal chocolate chip cookies after dinner.  Damn!

When we get off track or deviate from our goal we can feel defeated and want to give up.  Why can't we just acknowledge we had a moment (or a day/week/month) of weakness, that we messed up and set a new intention?  Before I was even finished with my first cookie, I knew what I was going to do-enjoy every bite and start again tomorrow!

Think about your intentions...

• What are you working on?  
• What goals do you have in place?  
• What structure do you set for when you mess up and don't obtain perfection?  
• Does it have to be all or nothing? 
• Can you cut yourself some slack?  
• Are you ready to pick up where you left off?
• What level of support do you need?

With you in your journey!