The “all or nothing” dieter believes she either succeeded or she failed. This attitude is commonly found in perfectionists although it does not need to be. The “all or nothing” attitude is a pitfall that leads to feelings of failure. It is rarely a motivating and effective way to diet. Do not confuse this attitude with perseverance. In fact, it is quite the opposite. It is not displayed by a person who keeps trying despite the odds but a person who gives up as soon as she perceives a failing.
Hallmark Thoughts of the All or Nothing Dieter
“I will wait until tomorrow since I already had a few cookies today.”
“I had one more scoop of ice cream then I should have. On well, may as well eat what I want until Monday, when I start my diet again.”
“I didn’t workout yesterday or the day before. I guess I can sit today out and start fresh next week.”
“Since I didn’t work out, I may as well have dessert. Since I am having dessert anyway, I can have another roll with dinner now.”
Can you see how this snowballs and turns into a vicious cycle? It is similar to that beloved children’s book, When You Give a Mouse a Cookie.
Attitudes toward food challenge us day by day, meal by meal, and hunger pang by hunger pang. We cannot give up on a diet due to one or even two slip ups. Dieting is for the tortoise not the hare. Give yourself some breathing room and take dieting one step at a time. Dieting is not about perfection. It is about changing a lifestyle and that is a tough task which deserves as much grace as commitment. If you succumb to temptation and eat a chocolate cupcake then forgive yourself and keep moving on the right track. You can do it!