Have you ever tried something which turned out to be a mistake? Well I did it again but this time, I had to admit to the problem. I absolutely hate routines, especially when it comes to diet and exercise.

Self Discovery

On a lazy afternoon, I sat on the couch flipping through the television channels, hoping to find an interesting program. Then I caught a glimpse of a new weight loss program which helps people lose weight by making the right lifestyle choices. I was hooked and ordered the program. I have been looking for something simple in order to maintain my weight without running to a gym or going crazy with other exercise videos. Based on statistics, most people who join gyms pay for memberships but usually don’t follow through to get the results they are seeking. I’ve been there and done that at least three times in my lifetime.

I was so excited to start this program that I downloaded it, rather than waiting for it to come in the mail. The first part of the program, I had to read over 60 pages in order to understand calories and the theory of fat. By the time I was on page 30, I had forgotten what I read a few pages back. Then there was an exercise program and measurements you had to take from your neck down. In order to motivate you, there were several women writing about their positive experience with the program.

So I continued to read on, still excited but I can see myself walking down a steep hill. I knew I was going to get to the bottom after continuing to page 60. Then I began to get a lot of emails from the company with great advice about staying healthy and eating the right foods. Wait there is a catch, you had to buy their supplements in order to maintain your weight to have that perfect body you always wanted. Weeks went by, I didn’t purchase any of their products. I got a friendly email yesterday which read, “we noticed you haven’t purchased any of our supplements, so therefore, we will give you a 30% discount towards your purchase.”

It was a wrap for me at that point. Time to break free from another to-do on my agenda. I have nothing against any of these type of programs and I am glad it works for others. I learned a very important lesson about myself through this experience. If I find another weight loss program, run don’t walk to the nearest exit. If it’s another lazy afternoon, keep your credit card as far away from any device that will allow you place an order for something which does not define who you are at this point of your life.

In life, there is always going to be routines. But the way I look at it, you have to pick your poison. This is just one of them I would rather avoid. My heart is in the right place for the right reasons but I know the truth about what makes me feel  uncomfortable. Anytime I got involved with a program that becomes a routine, especially when it comes to diet and exercise, it doesn’t work. I can’t even handle following recipes. I make my own. So what was I thinking?

In conclusion, I am going the natural route. I will try to eat healthy, walk whenever possible, and purchase my own supplements. Cheat days, absolutely! But I will continue to maintain a healthy weight. Breaking free from this program was the best thing I ever did because I am at peace with myself, accepting who I am and taking responsibility for my actions.

Nugget of truth: Embrace the truth about yourself. Be the person that God created you to be. Acceptance is key, and living out your truth.