Last week I wrote about the many little choices that make a huge difference. I was referring to physical choices, but there are little choices that we make mentally too. The journey I have been on for the last few weeks has required me to fight several of these little battles. One of the hardest for me was when my husband and I had our usual day off together. We normally go on a date or make a nice meal together. I felt frustrated because I felt restricted by my macro requirements. I felt like I was having to sacrifice an important part of our relationship to reach my goals. 

We ended up still making a great dinner and it fit into my parameters, we just needed to modify a few things. The modifications were small but my decision to stick with my plan and remain positive about it was not a small one. It took me stepping back for a moment, really considering why I was doing this in the first place and then having a conversation with myself about it not being that big of a deal, after all. Seems silly doesn't it? It seems silly, but truly, you have conversations with yourself all day, every day. You may not be aware of it, but it's happening. Tuning into those thoughts going through your head is the beginning of the shift.

Once I was able to work through that moment, the rest of my weekend was incredible. For the first time ever, I didn't focus on how little I "could" eat. I ate what I felt was adequate and felt happy about it. I didn't feel restricted. On Sunday, a day that I normally don't follow my plan strictly, I ate more than I should have and I felt really gross. This was a first for me. This may not seem like a big deal to some, so here's a little more background. I've always loved to eat, can eat anything, anytime, anywhere and never was bothered by being full. I've been blessed with a love of athletics and movement so I've managed to burn most of what I've eaten, throughout my life. So for this person, who loves all of the above, to feel gross after eating a slightly larger-than-normal portion, WAS CRAZY!

I knew in that moment that I'd finally been able to make the mental shift required to continue on to my goal and beyond, without massive will-power and determination. If you're struggling with making this type of shift yourself, try tuning into those conversations and thoughts going through your mind. Pay close attention to the thoughts you're having just before a moment of weakness. Argue with yourself the way you would a good friend. Treat yourself like you would that friend, who has asked you to help encourage them to stay strong on their journey. Cheer yourself on, convince yourself you're capable of doing that one thing, in that one moment, that is going to help you create the shift in your mindset required to succeed. Because it's awesome when it happens!!