In college, the transition from novice to varsity was fantastic. I always had a little chip on my shoulder in high school about wanting to be "the best" (best runner, best grades on a test, best looking in my dress at the prom-and always got frustrated when I wasn't) and being on the UMass crew team quickly knocked me off my pedestal. I was suddenly surrounded by national caliber athletes (who also happened to be gorgeous and smart and amazing friends I am still thankful for today!).
Novice year I learned that my short stature itself was somewhat of a weakness and that I was also a slower learner than some other natural athletes. I also learned that hard wok yielded great improvements and it was a waste of time and effort to compare myself to others. after all, we were all working towards the same goal--to win races! As I moved up to varsity, I learned to work on my weaknesses, and compete against myself (always trying to best my previous performance) but with my teammates (encouraging everyone to consistently improve as well). I am so thankful for that humbling experience. Through crew I built character, strength, passion, and a fantastic work ethic that I carry with me in work, relationships, and athletic endeavors today.
But one important lesson I learned from UMass crew that somehow got lost along the way was the importance of the weekly "day off". Every Sunday was a day of rest---we were forbidden from exercising and forced to catch up on "life"---socializing, studying, and cleaning our rooms. UMass coaches took this seriously, which I learned the hard way my sophomore year when I was spotted a few miles from campus one gorgeous April Sunday going for "just an easy run---practically walking!!", picked up by my coach in her car and escorted back to my dorm.
When I started running more competitively after college, I soon learned that many runners never take days off and some even count "streaks"---in which they see just how many days they can go before taking a forced rest day due to sickness or injury. So, of course I started skipping my day off again too! And this time I had no coach to pick me up on the side of the road. Quite soon after that I went on a series of injury "streaks", and realized something was not working. It's taken me about 10 years (I guess I am a REALLY slow learner), but I've finally started to figure out the balance of work and rest that work for me.
As I started the varsity Paleo team two weeks ago, I thought a lot about my athletic experiences and the approach that works for me (6 days "on", one day "off") and decided to apply this principle to my Paleo eating. I have written in a planned cheat meal one day per week for the next 8 weeks. For me, the planned cheat is a preventive measure---if I allow myself, in a controlled environment, to indulge in a non Paleo treat once each week, I will be much less likely to binge uncontrollably when I give in to an "unplanned slip up". Plus, the food tastes way better when you have given yourself permission to eat it!
This week, my planned cheat was a Friday date night margarita and a portion of nachos with cheese, guacamole and beef. It was absolutely incredible. And totally worth it. Some Paleo purists may be able to go on a Paleo "streak" for two months, but I have the feeling that there are others out there like me, who need a panned "meal off" every once in a while. The frequency may be different for different people, but the following three principles should be taken in to account for any planned cheat:
1. Make sure it is worth it! Perhaps it's toasting a bride and eating some cake at a wedding, or eating fried fish at your favorite restaurant. Whatever it is, make sure this cheat is doing something for your over all well being, as it is probably detracting from your over all "progress".
2. Eat your cheat in a safe environment. I could not have had last night's cheat meal at home, because I would have consumed a whole bag of tortilla chips and then climbed on the counter top to reach the candy I've been hiding from myself on the top shelf. Eating at a restaurant forced me to eat only what was served to me, slow down a bit, and savor each moment. Figure out what a safe environment means for you!
3. Plan ahead. If your cheat is planned and consumed in a controlled environment, it can be an enjoyable experience. Unplanned cheats lead to guilt, and for some, a spiral downwards in to additional poor food decisions. "I'll start over tomorrow" is not a phrase you want to bring in to your vocabulary when making nutrition changes. This leads to yo yo dieting, an unhealthy relationship with food, and over all weight gain.
Whatever your approach, check in and make sure it is working for you! And keep up the hard work, all who are 2 weeks in to the Paleo challenge!
