The 7 Emotional Stages of Trying to Eat Healthier

Updated on March 15, 2016 at 6:00 AM

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Dannon Light & Fit

Ray Mickshaw | ©Fox / courtesy Everett Collection

Paying closer attention to what you eat and reactivating your gym membership are two signs that you're focused on a healthier lifestyle. But as we all know, the path to fitness can be a long one. There may be distractions (say, your co-worker's cupcake-laden birthday party) and even some disappointments. We've highlighted the emotional — and sometimes riotous — roller coaster you may encounter along the way.

You signed up for a gym membership and are feeling great.

You finally did it. You went to the gym and signed up for a yearly membership. And not only are you pumped to get back in the gym, but it also comes with a host of freebies: discounted massages, a cute tank top, and guest passes galore.

Weirdly, no one will come with you to Zumba class.

And you can't figure out why. You keep telling friends how empowering it is and how it made you a better dancer, but still no one will join you. It would be so much more fun to have a buddy take a class with you, but it's not gonna slow you down.

It's been three weeks, and you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror.

You take a moment to cheer yourself on. You've kept up your healthy eating and gone to the gym at least four times every week. You're on your way to achieving your fitness goals, and the hard work is paying off.

Your gym routine begins to stall.

Maybe you've mastered your old workout routine by now and you're looking to stay inspired. Check out some classes your gym offers, and try something new and challenging.

And then you caved to the cupcakes.

You were doing so well until it was your colleague's birthday and the office manager ordered decadent cupcakes for everyone — with toppings. You know it's wrong, but you can't resist. It's happening. You're going for it.

What have I done?

OK, so that happened. You went off your plan a little bit, but it doesn't mean you need to give up on all the work you've put in. Get back in the saddle!

You're two weeks back on track, and you're feeling unstoppable.

You're turning down cupcakes left and right because you feel incredible. You've teamed up with friends who have similar goals to help keep you on track and hit the gym with you, and you're holding yourself accountable. You'll stick to the workout and clean eating because you love how you feel inside and out.