Not Kidding Yourself

The other day I was reading an article online which featured a link to some exercises you can do at home. I clicked on the link and saw a video which demonstrated some basic exercises. What really got my attention was that the video and article were being sponsored by Jello and Oreos. I thought it was a little ironic that a fitness video was sponsored by junk food companies. I wondered how many people would go out after starting their new exercise program and buy jello and Oreos since they have a new fitness affiliation now. The phrase "you must be kidding yourself" came to mind.

I have often felt the same way about myself when I count french fries as a vegetable serving, rationalize large portion sizes, or underestimate my calorie consumption. It's really easy to lie to yourself, but if you want to move ahead, you have to be serious about holding to your plan and having some integrity. That is why the 11th commandment is "Thou Shalt Not Kid Thyself". By the way, I love jello and mean it to offense. I guess if you put enough fruit in it....

Anyway, one good way to avoid cheating yourself is by having some accountability to someone else. Sometimes, a friend, spouse, or trainer can keep you accountable when you know you will have to report your activity to them. If you struggle with being honest with yourself and following through like you should, then you may want to enlist the help of someone else in reaching your goals.