weight loss and the weekends

I had a patient yesterday who has been incredibly successful in the program tell me there is a reason why she always comes in on a Monday. Historically, she said that even before the program, she would do a pretty good job during the week of watching her caloric intake, but on the weekends, she would go to restaurants, attend social functions, etc and this is were most of the "damage" was being done. When she started the program, rather than weigh-in on a Friday, see good results, and then feel psychologically she could "enjoy" the weekend (enjoy meaning partake of the food choices she normally would have before the program) she decided to have her appointment on a Monday. This would ensure that over the weekend, she would think about Monday and make better choices.

Yes, for most of us, including me, the weekends mean "let loose a bit"..that can mean anything from sleeping later to enjoying our leisure hobbies to eating more food. Obviously, sleeping later, playing golf, walking the dog longer etc does not hinder weight loss efforts. However, going to the restaurant, having the cocktails, eating a dessert etc will derail our efforts.

Figure out a way that you can make yourself accountable for your weekend eating behaviors. When you weigh yourself at home, do this on a Monday as opposed to Friday. Reward yourself (non-calorically) if you see on a Monday that your weight is no greater (or even less) than it was before the weekend. Do not let old behavior patterns on the weekends hinder your progress to become healthier and happier.