I’m haunted by leftover Halloween candy! It’s in my house, my office, it’s half price in the stores… it’s everywhere! Couple that with FOUR out-of-state trips over the past six weeks and I’ve been way off track!
So what to do? I could stay off track and retool on Monday, next month or even on January 1, 2017 or I can get OFF the struggle bus and back on track TODAY.
I have worked too hard to let it all slide, so here are 8 things I’m doing this week to get myself back on track:
#1 Forgive myself.
There is nothing I can do to take back the extra bites and sips, and some of them I really quite enjoyed, so I’m going to forgive myself for my weight loss transgressions and move on. No guilt – just moving on.
#2 Take small steps.
Truly sustainable weight loss, and truly sustainable habits, are not radical. I’m changing my life, no need to cause myself whiplash by changing everything all at once. Instead, I’m taking it one step at a time, one meal at a time, one healthy decision at a time.
#3. Water, water everywhere.
When I’ve consumed more calories or chemicals/preservatives than I wanted, or when I’ve eaten too many meals in restaurants, I know the best thing for my body is water, and lots of it. I will drink an extra liter of water a day for a week or so, which flushes my system and gets my body back on an even keel.
#4. Get some sleep.
Sleep is a premium with me, and when I sleep 7 hours a night I have more energy for work and play, and I swear I make better food choices, too! Sleep is also good for your body, and gives you the natural benefit of rest.
#5. Get rid of the trigger foods.
The cursed Halloween candy is out! I’m donating the leftover goodies to our annual Halloween candy exchange at work, because I don’t need it and I definitely don’t need it in my house where I can find it after a long commute home.
#6. Schedule my “me time.”
When life gets chaotic, my “me time” is usually the first thing to go as I am busy taking care of everyone else. But taking the time for myself, which is usually spent in the gym or grocery shopping or doing something else weight loss related, makes me a more prepared and happier person. And when I am happier, I am much better equipped to take care of those around me.
#7. Get a plan.
Getting back on track for me is all about getting a plan for success. I look at what days I need to pack a lunch, what nights we have meetings or functions and what nights we’ll be eating at home. Even if I don’t do a full meal prep, this planning helps me appropriately allocate my intake so I don’t overeat and still get to have what I want!
**Note from Tammy. Check out Plan to Eat. On Black Friday they will offer their HUGE 1/2 off yearly membership sale. Now is the time to take advantage of their 30-day free trial and see if it’s something you like. I think it’s one of the best meal planning tools out there.
Other helpful posts:
A Beginner’s Guide to Once a Week Food Prep
Meal Prep Like a Boss
#8. Move my booty.
Exercise = endorphins and endorphins = happy. So I am a happier person when I make sure I get 45 minutes of exercise in, 4-5 days per week. Also, exercise acts as a natural antidepressant and stress relief, which makes it a way better way to manage stressful situations rather than stress eating!
I think these changes will definitely get me back on track. What do you think? Do you have suggestions for how else I can get back on track?
Blush & Pearls says
Great tips – I have a few dips in my health and fitness every so often. I find acknowledging my mistakes and planning how to resolve them going forward helps me focus on the positive and get out of the guilt trip.
Angela / Blush & Pearls