Mark's Guilt Post

ThePrimalSpartan

Today's article on Mark's Daily Apple really came at the perfect time for me. Guilt has been on my mind a lot, and this really was something I needed to read.

What do you all think about the article?

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/the-uses-and-abuses-of-guilt/#axzz2XMRLwvj6

danamariers

Great read- thanks for posting!

I would say when I was just starting to work on my health, guilt/shame held me hostage. I worried about everything, ate junk in secret (ie- by myself. Not like I woke up in the woods covered in potato chips and chocolate bar wrappers with no memory of the previous night...) and found myself incredibly stressed over every little thing. (Why did I only lose X amount, I can't believe I gained X amount, constantly checking my measurements and what not- if you can't tell I'm an "A" type personality and I like going through the stats of my health).

I do see a benefit in guilt- a little guilt can keep you focused on your goals because it reminds you of how you feel when you stay on track and how you feel when you don't. But I think for many, guilt is more of a ball and chain keeping people captive in the mindset of how much they haven't achieved.

I will say that since I actually made time for me, sat down and read Primal Blueprint, a lot clicked with me about just taking things day by day, and gave me a great deal of "knowledge ammo" for myself to keep making great choices without a cloud of guilt wagging a finger at me subconsciously. For instance, the other day we had lunch brought in for an all day all-staff event for work. There was BBQ chicken, brisket, steamed veggies, potato salad, refried beans, breads, BBQ sauces and a huge table of dessert.

(Currently I'm going through the Low Carb Flu and knew that having more processed sugar/grains/carbs would only exacerbate my symptoms) So when lunch rolled around I only took the steamed veggies and meat, no sauce, no beans, no dessert. And not because I would feel guilty but because I knew I would feel better eating primal and I would be that much closer to being flu-free.

So I guess my long-winded response is that I agree that guilt isn't necessarily a bad thing, making treats all the more sweeter but that people need to keep a leash on it to stop it from turning into what drives them. Guilt shouldn't dictate your choices.

Happy Saturday all!