I am preparing to go to a cookout in a few hours. Yes, you read that right. Stop rubbing your eyes. I am fully aware that I am on this 10 Day Smoothie Cleanse, and I’m just two more days away from the end. But I am also fully aware that life does not stop just because I have decided to drink green smoothies for 10 days.
When my girlfriend invited me, I respectfully declined the invite. At the time I received the invitation I was just one day into the process. Way too soon to even start thinking about eating let alone trying to figure out how to navigate a cookout. When I talked to her a few days later, she encouraged me to come anyway because there would be salad and fruit, both of which I can certainly eat should I decide to while on the cleanse.
She didn’t know at the time that I was on the full cleanse, meaning no food other than the suggested snacks for 10 days. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that attending the cookout was something I really wanted to do. Not for the food, but for the fun and fellowship of socializing with and meeting new people. I mean just because it’s a cookout does not mean I have to eat everything if anything that is there as long as I had a plan.
Therefore, being the planner that I am I am prepared and looking forward to having a fabulous time.Would you like to know my game plan? Okay, here it is!
- Do not go hungry! I have been drinking my smoothie and water and eating my snacks all morning. I will be showing up with quite a full stomach.
- Don’t wear clothing I can grow with. No spandex for me! I will be wearing a cute pair of jean shorts WITH a belt! The belt is key! Wearing one will serve as a mechanism to keep me from over doing it if I do decide to partake.
- Load up on water, salad, and fruits. This way I am able to eat if I want to and stay on my program.
- Focus on connecting and engaging in great conversation. Arrive with the intention of meeting some new and nice people and enjoying the conversations and laughter.
- And lastly, if I do decide to partake, do so responsibly and in small portions. I ain’t gonna lie. My mouth is watering for a barbecue rib. Just one! I guess I should confess right now…I am going to have it!
So there you have it. I am not going to allow one cookout to derail my program but I am going to allow myself to enjoy it and have fun!
Your Turn To Share
How would you handle this situation if it presented itself to you? Would you do anything differently?
Morgan says
Okay, girlie . . . So how did it go?? I think that it was a good decision that you went; it would have been an insult to injury if you sat at home, knowing you could’ve gone but for the cleanse you stayed home. The planning thing with the cleanses is tough; I’ve been wanting to do a bone broth cleanse but I have to time it right with work, my boyfriend, family events and the weekend. I am way too susceptible to tripping up, then regressing.
But if we are honest with ourselves, doesn’t it need to be functional? Diets don’t work because they are too restrictive and not functional. And I know you aren’t on a diet, per se, but meaning the whole concept of healthy eating and moderation.
Anyway, I wish you luck! And, whatever happens, just get back up and go for it again tomorrow. It’s all about the little choices we make, several times a day–not one time in a week
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Stacey Strickler says
Yes. I. Did!!! And I had a ball! Oh yeah, and the food was out of this world! LOL I am so glad I went and I didn’t feel bad for eating. I think my tuna melt down prepared me, LOL! You are so right about the planning/scheduling to do a cleanse. I thought I was in the clear. The cookout was a surprise attack. Morgan, believe me, we are in the same boat. I too am susceptible to tripping up. Honestly, I’m surprised I made it as long as I did.
Yes, I agree 110% that whatever we chose to do, we still need to live our lives as normally as possible. The very things we try to resist end up being the very things we succumb to when the pressure is on. I’m back on track today. However it is a new one. I’ve decided to cut my cleanse short (at least the full version of it) and pick up with the clean eating phase of my journey. Thank you for reminding me that one slip up does not make me or what I am trying to do a total washout! Thanks my friend!!!
Morgan says
Absolutely
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Stacey Strickler says
And for sure !!!
Glenda Cates says
Cleanses are good but they can be restrictive and its hard on me to do them. As with the family they always have things for us to do so I end up off track which included this diet I am supposed to be on.
Which upsets me as I look like a COW in my bathing suit and when Charlie goes back to school I know he will be embarrassed to be seen with me. As more and more people keep asking Charlie if I am his grandmother.
I am tired of that and going to turn things around somehow someway. Even if I have to walk 5 miles a day in the heat I am going to lose weight as it isn’t healthy and my family don’t deserve a mom or wife who can’t do the things they want to do.
So congrats to you and I know you will accomplish everything your out to do and so much more.
Have a Blessed day.
Stacey Strickler says
Yes, they are quite restrictive. To successfully complete one it has to be scheduled just right. Glenda, if I may encourage you, there is no shame in being overweight. That way of thinking keeps us stuck. You are not your weight! You are a beautiful and loving person and there is no shame in that! You can absolutely turn things around. Decide you are worth it, make a plan, be patient with yourself and do it. I believe in you but you must believe in yourself! By way of some accountability, drop me a comment and let me know just one thing you can do and are willing to do to take a step in the right direction.