Mr. Non-Compliant’s 4 Simple Rules
‘Tis the season for an increase in social gatherings that typically include lots of delicious food—and sometimes an increase in weight.
What to do? (Besides living like a hermit.)
Follow Mr. Non-Compliant’s 4 simple rules.
Many years ago, Mr. Non-Compliant was preparing for a season of eating in restaurants without his health coach’s (aka ME) supervision.
I warned him that he had better not outgrow his clothes.
His response, “Can you give me some simple rules to follow because I’m a guy and I need simple?” 
Of course.
Maybe these will help you too. They can be applied in any food setting, any time of year.
Mr. Non-Compliant’s 4 Simple Rules
- Don’t eat the bread, unless it’s amazing.
- Don’t drink alcoholic or sweetened/artificially sweetened beverages. (This gets complicated because of varying amounts of carbohydrates and sugars depending on what the drinks are so I just told him, “No.”)
- Don’t eat pasta, unless it’s amazing.
- Don’t eat dessert, unless it’s amazing.
He told me he could probably manage 2 out of 4, depending on the situation.
I can live with 2 out of 4. His clothes still fit with 2 out of 4.
Here’s an example of how this works in real life. The bread is already on the table before you’re seated and is nothing special. If it’s a banquet facility and the desserts are on the table prior to the meal being served, they’re probably not amazing. You order a delicious pasta dish and a special beverage that you savor, skipping the bread and dessert.
Or, the bread arrives, fresh out of the oven, along with delectable spreads and whipped butter. The eatery is known for its crème brulée and flourless chocolate cake. On this occasion, you skip the fancy beverage and pasta dish because the bread and dessert win.
What Mr. Non-Compliant doesn’t (hardly ever) do is break every rule in one sitting. And occasionally he even follows 3 out of 4!
He’s also pretty consistent with his workouts. Bonus points.
Making mindful decisions about what you’re going to eat, and not eat, may be the difference between gaining/not gaining weight over time.
Think about how you may feel after consuming a large meal that includes bread, wine, pasta AND a rich dessert. Perhaps you’ve used the term “stuffed” on occasion.
The rules work for Mr. NC because they’re not completely restrictive and he gets to decide how to manage his intake based on the options. Simple.
If you and your Mr. or Mrs. Non-Compliant could use some help getting back on track together, working with couples is one of my specialties. Let’s talk–before the situation gets compounded with the holiday festivities.
I offer personal coaching that fits your specific needs and lifestyle. 
Imagine starting 2024 feeling fit with no New Year’s resolution necessary.
And yes, that’s Mr. Non-Compliant with his fairly compliant and amazing birthday cake. Healthy can be delicious.
Much love,
Health Coach Carol
“I always get to where I’m going by walking away from where I have been.”—Winnie the Pooh