Good morning to all my dear dear MFP friends. I wanted to share a little something with you that gave me a little hope. So, as I was beating myself up last night about the few times I have gone over on my calorie limit I got to thinking. There are times when we are going to not do as well as we set out. There are times we will give into craving. That is okay. I think the biggest part of this is accepting that we will not always be perfect, in fact, it is natural to fluctuate in our efforts and motivation. The nature of existence is change. Once you accept that you will slip up here and there it is much easier to forgive yourself and prepare for these moments. The fact is, we are all eating with calorie deficit in mind but we all have a recommended calorie intake to maintain our current weight. If you are feeling like today might be on off day just go into it with knowledge and plan-fulness. My recommended calorie intake to maintain my current weight is 1936 calories, my current calorie limit for weight loss is 1200, that is around 700 calories extra if I REALLY want them. So, if I am going to go over at some point, it is very important to keep these numbers in mind. We plan to make healthy eating choices, why not be as mindful about the occasional splurge. If you are going to have an off day don't get a case of the eff its and sabotage yourself. Plan your splurge just as you plan every other day. Record your calories in you diary and don't go over your recommended calorie intake to maintain your weight. Believe me, you'll feel a lot better, you won't go completely overboard and there will be limited shame and guilt. The truth is, we are all working really hard and deserve everything we are working for. Treat yourself, don't beat yourself. This message has been brought to you by Susie Inc.