Planning for Off-Plan Eating — Erik Ledin
Off-plan eating is perhaps the biggest source of anxiety plaguing nutrition plans worldwide. We all have food and beverage weaknesses, and keeping them in check is a consistent challenge of varying degrees — typically during social events and celebrations, where plentiful unhealthy options are simply part of the tradition or culture (homemade cookie platters on Christmas, for example).
That said, many of us have been conditioned to believe that all off-plan eating is bad; yes, it is not exactly ideal for any nutrition-based goal, but there are ways to mitigate it while allowing it to run its course. The key here is to exercise a blend of foresight and self-control — all while addressing your inner critic before the fact, denying him or her the chance to run rampant as your off-plan eating occurs.
In reality, there is such a thing as planned off-plan eating and unplanned off-plan eating, and there is a considerable difference between the two. Paradoxical as it may sound, the former serves as a happy medium between healthy celebration and overindulgence, as it will help you set hard boundaries on your consumption habits while permitting you the freedom to partake.
With the holidays just around the corner, here are a few quick tips for planning your future off-plan ventures.
Acknowledge the inevitable
When heading into an off-plan scenario, be it a family gathering or a football game tailgate, acknowledge the fact that you will likely be going off-plan. The sooner you come to terms with the weaknesses that will be present, the sooner you can plan for how to manage their impact on your eating. Without this foresight, you will run the risk of being blindsided by temptation, which in turn can send you off the rails in terms of both your plan and your self-esteem as you spiral into regret. Winging it rarely works.
