“It would be so much easier if I didn’t have any junk food at home, but I’ve got kids…”

There are so many things wrong with this cop-out, I find it hard to know where to begin. You must understand that your at-home environment plays a large part in the ease with which you can stick to a weight loss program. But, you should also understand that you are very much in control of that environment most of the time. Read the Environment chapter in S.P.E.E.D. if you want to learn more.

First, why would you want to feed your kids anything that you feel is so unhealthy you won’t put it in your body? Your kids, unfortunately, get plenty of opportunities to consume large quantities of processed junk food at school, you probably don’t have to provide any more while they’re at home. Kids who aren’t exposed to junk food will most likely crave healthier snacks and develop better eating habits. Do you really want your kids developing the same habits that made you overweight?

Second, even if your kids are going to the store themselves and stocking your kitchen cabinets full of junk (unlikely), you don’t have to eat it. If you’re setting proper goals, reading them, journaling and doing all the other important things listed in the Psychology chapter of S.P.E.E.D., you should be mentally prepared to deny most temptation.

Third, you’re really going to use your kids as a cop-out?  That just kills me. Would you go home and say to your son or daughter, “Hey, I’m overweight because of you”? No, you wouldn’t. Because it’s not true. Just be honest with yourself and take responsibility for your weight and health.

Now to clarify, when I talk about junk food I mean cookies, sugar-packed cereals, etc.  If you’re following a low-carb eating plan like the one in S.P.E.E.D., you might need to have a few things for your family that you might want to avoid: whole grain bread, fruits, rice, etc.

So, give your kids a hug and don’t let anything get in your way of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight!