Prepare for Slip-Ups
Prepare for Slip-Ups
One thing I’ve learned from both my own experience and patients is that most of us will slip up from time to time and those slips can lead to gaining weight. Most of us will be thrown off track by vacations, holidays, business travel, illnesses and life changes. It will happen. People often get frustrated when, just when they get into a solid routine, something happens to throw them off, but that’s what life is all about. Sometimes just knowing it will happen can help you relax and deal with it. Some ways you can prepare yourself:
* Allow some flexibility. If you’re going on vacation, chances are you won’t stick with your normal exercise and diet routine. Make a plan for how you’ll be as healthy as possible, but give yourself permission to back off a little so you don’t agonize over every little thing. Even if you gain a few pounds, the world won’t end. Just promise to get back to the routine when the vacation’s over.
* Focus on the present. If you’re sick, have an injury or have a sick family member, you may not be able to exercise at all. That doesn’t mean you have to abandon all things healthy, but do what you can to keep your calories under control and plan on how you’ll get back to exercise once you’re recovered. Use the downtime to rest, heal and focus on the things you can do.
* Plan ahead. If you’re traveling on business, research where you’re going and figure out how you’ll exercise when you get there. Bring some workout DVDs or resistance bands, or make use of the fitness room, if the hotel has one. This No Equipment Travel Workout will help you stay fit when you don’t have much time.
* Get back on track. If you get blown off course by the holidays or a surprise family visit, start back to your routine as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it will be.
