Stop Relapsing And Make It Happen

I've got a few friends on the Optifast Chat Support page on Facebook that are struggling with Optifast cheating and what I call the Optifast "relapse." For me, a cheat involves eating "real" food, while on the full fast, in an isolated incident -- food typically loaded in calories, and not approved by the clinic. A relapse, in my definition, is continuously stopping and starting the products, and the food eaten in between these periods is also loaded in calories, salt, sugar and fat. Either problem is frustrating, painful both physically and emotionally, and sets you back from achieving your goal.

As I've said, I think the vast majority of people on Optifast cheat at least once. Strict compliance to a full fast all the way up to your goal takes an incredible amount of inner strength and an unwavering commitment. Even the clinics allow some full fasters to have some (restricted) meals out. We must congratulate those who have been cheat-free/meal free all throughout their fasting journey. They deserve it. But most will cheat or have a meal out for a special occasion. That's just a fact.

I believe Optifast relapsers are in a tough spot. They want to lose the weight, sometimes desperately, but cannot stay committed to the products. The urge to eat highly caloric food and revert back to old patterns is too strong. Once the first bite of these "bad" foods is taken, it's off to the races. When Optifasting, one bite is too many, and 1,000 bites are not enough. When the extended relapse ends, one is left demoralized and perhaps heavier than they were when the started on the products. So they begin on the products again. And soon...the cycle repeats itself. It's exhausting.

For me, because I live in the United States and can only get my Optifast products through my clinic, a constant relapse cycle is not possible. The clinic wouldn't allow it. For others getting their products from other avenues, the relapse is much more of a threat. And a costly one at that -- you find yourself basically throwing away your money again and again on something that isn't going to work. With free access does come some accountability. And that can be elusive. One must dig deep sometimes to find and keep it. Optifast is not for everyone. And if you find yourself constantly relapsing, perhaps you might want to try another weight loss program that will work more successfully for you.

But if you like this program and want it to work, I'm here to offer some "tough love." It's really quite simple. Stop putting bad food in your mouth. Stop the excuses. No one is forcing you to eat these bad things. Wishing you could lose weight is worlds away from taking concrete steps to make it happen. The Optifast program works. Guaranteed. All you need to do is follow instructions, get medical support, educate yourself, and map out a lifestyle maintenance plan to keep the weight off. We must hold ourselves accountable for everything we put into our bodies, and how we treat our bodies physically. This isn't rocket science. It's Weight Management 101.

Perhaps it's my age (46), but I have reached the point where enough is enough. I am bringing my weight under control and keeping it there. My "bottom" was 239 lbs. I was (and still am, technically) obese. Are you at your bottom? Stop the insanity, stop the cheating and relapsing, and start leading a happy, healthy life. Follow the Optifast instructions, see a doctor regularly, and move forward. You know you can do this -- if you truly want to. Make it happen. Today!