Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Medifast. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The temptation is all too real. You're trying your best to lose weight and get back on track to being healthy, when you get thrown off your routine with an invitation out to dinner, a get-together with friends or just grocery shopping while hungry. It's happened to the best of us - we've all been there. So you've cheated on your diet, now what? It's time to be real, but not give up. Be Honest with Yourself Changing a lifestyle is hard work. If it were easy, everyone would be their ideal weight without any issue. We all have our vices (mine is chocolate and fried food.) Don't fall victim to all of those "I lost 26 pounds in two weeks" stories that are vapid throughout the interwebs. It's not realistic, it's unhealthy and it's why there is always a disclaimer with the average weight loss in small print. "Results are not typical." Just because you strayed off your diet program here and there is no reason to lose hope. Just behonest with yourself and try again. Allow Yourself a Cheat Night Notice I didn't say "day." I don't believe in throwing away an entire day of indulging in fattening foods so that I stay on track the other 6 days. I do allow myself once per week to eat something I'd like - within reason. If we go out to dinner, I'll typically order salmon or chicken, most times those meals come with rice. Rice is another favorite of mine. So I might eat some rice. Or allow myself to eat 1-2 chocolate chip cookies when I make them with my kids. It's about giving in just enough to satiate your craving without going overboard (e.g. eating an entire loaded sundae when a baby cone would be enough.) You'll find that if you give yourself permission, it takes away the constant desire to do it. Pick Up Where You Left Off I'm doing Medifast Go, so that means I eat every two hours 6 times a day. When I give myself permission for a cheat night, I pick right back up on my routine the next morning. I don't lament on how many carbs, calories or fat I consumed and wallow in it. I don't beat myself up. I don't tell myself I just threw away 8 weeks of dieting. I admit, when I see an increase on the scale I feel disappointed, who wouldn't? But I do have to remind myself to keep pushing forward, keep exercising and that inch loss still counts! Now will you continue to lose weight if you cheat on your diet? If you follow my above tips, you should be OK. So far I have only gained back one pound in the two months that I have been on this weight loss journey, but as I continue to get back on track, exercise and not go completely crazy, my inches continue to melt away. I haven't lost sight of my goal. You shouldn't either. Now for my 8 week stats: Starting: Weight: 183 lbs BMI: 35.7% (I’m 5′) Bust: 43″ Waist: 44″ Hips: 46″ Butt: 47″ Arm: 13″ Legs: 25″ Neck: 13.5″ Eight week mark: Weight: 177.5 BMI: 34.7% Bust: 41″ Waist: 41″ Hips: 43″ Butt: 44″ Arm: 12″ Legs: 24″ Neck: 13″ TOTAL:  5.5 lbs lost, 1% BMI loss, and  13.5 inches lost. Follow my journey from the beginning: How to Lose Weight at Home What the First Few Weeks on Medifast are Really Like How Medifast Works How to Stick To Your Diet During the Holidays If you’re interested in joining me on this journey, you can get 7 days of free Medifast meals + bonus gifts + free shipping on your the first order as part of the renewal plan. If you’ve already worked this weight loss program with success, I would love your encouragement and tips in the comments! *Average weight loss for Medifast Direct® customers using Medifast Go™ is 11 pounds. Medifast Direct customers are in weight loss, on average, for 8 weeks. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Or check out our natural bath and body line!