When it comes to diet plans, missteps are seen as failures or “cheat days” are built-in. While some succeed, this mindset of “be perfect or you’re a failure” can lead to eating disorders, anxiety around food, obsession with healthy foods (orthorexia), and yo-yo dieting patterns. Focusing on progress towards a long-term goal is key. The occasional “missteps” are learning opportunities or simply an enjoyable treat. When progress is the focus, stumbling points along the path are not failures that mean that you have to stop and start again, just lessons.