I recently returned from a fabulous trip to New Orleans. 

We did all the things you do while vacationing in the Big Easy from savoring delectable beignets at Cafe du Monde, to enjoying fabulous jazz music, speeding through the bayou on an airboat, and even getting the chance to hold a baby alligator.

Having shared that, what I want to tell you is that I managed to enjoy all the delicious food without gaining! It's something I never would've imagined possible before I lost my weight 15 years ago. And if I'm being real with you, I had my doubts this time around...

While I wasn't completely confident about how well I’d do sticking to my routine during the trip, I was absolutely sure that I'd bounce back on track no matter what. And it’s that unwavering confidence that has ended a lifelong battle with yo-yo dieting.

I've come to realize that it's not just about what we eat; it's about how we handle things afterward. The biggest hurdle? Those all-too-familiar thoughts of "Oops, I blew it, might as well keep going" or the classic "I'll start fresh on Monday." 

What I've learned is the importance of anticipating occasional overindulgences and having a solid plan to get back on track promptly.

Just imagine the impact on your weight if you ditched the "throw-in-the-towel" mindset and embraced a “decide-ahead-of-time” approach to dealing with occasional overindulgences.

For me, getting back to my regular breakfast routine is key—it's like hitting the reset button. And sure, making healthier choices might take a bit more effort at first, but it’s absolutely doable.

So, here's my challenge to you: What's your game plan for getting back on track? What foods will you prioritize? And perhaps most importantly, what negative self-talk will you leave behind?

We can do this!  Let's enjoy life's little indulgences while still taking care of ourselves.