Published on January 23, 2024
The biology of excess weight makes it impossible for anyone to eat perfectly all the time. Those hungry fat cells and associated hormones make an occasional french fry or doughnut virtually irresistible. Occasional lapses occur for even the most persistent weight controllers.A lapse is a temporary problem, a temporary detour from the overall plan. Lapsing does not have to lead to relapsing.A relapse is a full-blown change back into old, problematic styles of behavior.Those who are successful at weight loss (and control) persist in the face of the inevitable lapses. They realize that an occasional doughnut or ice cream cone is simply a problem, not a catastrophe. They view these deviations as acceptable, not earthshaking.After you experience the inevitable lapse, try to write it down and deal with it as a problem to be solved. Figure out what lead to the lapse, forgive yourself for the lapse, and move on.