Ask Dr. Schwarz

Why do I give up dieting every time I cheat?

When you are trying to kick a habit like overeating, a lapse or a setback can be a critical juncture. You may become discouraged and blame yourself for the momentary failure. You may begin to think there is a basic flaw in you, a weakness that you just can’t overcome.

Try looking at it this way. You were probably facing a difficult situation. There was something happening around you or you had a disturbing feeling or you were facing something in your life for which you were not prepared. When you begin to think of it in this way, you can work on creating a plan for yourself. This plan should include strategies you can use next time you are faced with this situation or a similar situation. That way, you won’t get hopeless or helpless just because you cheated. That way, you won’t give up so easily.

Everyone has lapses when they are trying to change. The more you prepare yourself, the more capable you will feel and the better able you’ll become to meet the challenges that inevitably come up when you’re dieting.