Right before the 4th of July, I wrote about “keeping your independence” during all the cookouts and parties over the holiday weekend and avoiding overeating, or eating foods that don’t fit into your weight-loss goals. Well, if you did give into temptation, either during the festivities over the holiday, or any time this summer, it’s time to put it behind you.

Even the most determined and strong-willed people have a lapse every now and then. As I wrote in one of my first blogs, obesity is a disease, and you are battling it. If you did hit a bump in the road on your journey to a new life, don’t worry, and especially, don’t beat yourself up about it. When you began this journey, you knew it was going to take a lot of effort, but the end result is worth it. And, it’s really hard when you’re at a party or cookout with your friends who may have been used to the “old you” that never turned down the offer of food. It’s also tough when someone wants you to have a “just a bite” of their special desert or dish.

The phrase “tomorrow is a new day, “ may sound like a cliché, but it’s really true. Everything that happened the day before is in the past, and it’s much more important to look toward the future. Just say to yourself, “next time I’ll do better, because it’s what I want in life.” Keep your goals in mind – it’s a whole new life, and staying focused on that end result is what’s most important.