Ever feel like you need to hit the reset button on your health? I know I’ve been there way too many times to count! Maybe it was a weekend of indulgence or it’s been 2 months of on and off dieting. Whatever the case we all could use a little push to get us back on track from time to time. Here are 5 tips that I find most helpful to get back at it!
PLAN YOUR MENU & STICK TO IT:
A good menu sets the tone for the week. It also helps you to keep within a budget for groceries. My menu is always the base for my grocery list and I go from there. I used to meal prep on Sunday but that was time consuming and got old quick. Now I just double dinner recipes and we have lunch for the next day. We always joke in our house, my husband will say “what’s on the menu this week?” It gets us excited about dinner and clean eating. When you know you have a delicious meal coming up it’s easier to make healthy choices throughout the day.
PREP YOUR SNACKS:
I’m not a fan of large meal prep but snacks are quick and a must do for me! When picking your snacks for the week don’t go overboard. You don’t want to be washing, cooking and chopping for hours! Mix in a few items that don’t require prep like apples, yogurt or lunch meat to name a few of my favorites. I chop my celery and cucumbers ahead now because so many times I’ve left them to spoil when in a hurry. If you have your healthy snacks prepared ahead you’re more likely to reach for the hard boiled egg vs the bag of chips. Prep doesn’t have to be that hard, it can be as simple as washing your grapes and slicing the stems off of your strawberries.
HAVE A WORKOUT PLAN:
Working out is often the first thing we put off when we’re busy. However, making time for your fitness is essential for a healthy lifestyle. So make a commitment to yourself, set the number of days you’ll get your workout in. Plan ahead for things that will get in the way so you don’t skip it. If you know you have an afterwork dinner get up earlier and get your workout done. If the baby isn’t napping long do a quick 30 minute video. I used to get my workout in on my lunch break I was lucky to have an in office gym. Now that I’m home with my daughter it’s not practical for me to go to a gym. Rather than make an excuse I’ve committed to videos that I can do in my basement. Whatever your workout regimen is get at it and stick with it!
BE PREPARED:
Life is all about balance, so every meal shouldn’t be kale and grilled chicken. When you make your menu have your week and weekend plans in mind. If you have a midweek birthday dinner, eat clean the days leading up to and after so you can have that cake! If your weekend is full of events make sure your menu is extra light that week so you can indulge. If you want to enjoy a glass of wine or two Tuesday night, skip the sandwich and opt for a salad at lunch. There’s a million ways to play tetris with your “diet”, just make sure it works for you!
BE KIND TO YOURSELF:
This one is so important and I am guilty of being way too hard on myself too! As it’s often said we are our own worst enemy. At the end of the day a healthy lifestyle means loving yourself. As you tackle the week keep that in mind and take it day by day. Planning a menu doesn’t mean you have to stress out and cook every night. Leftovers and healthy take out mixed into your menu will keep you sane. There are also those days that we just don’t make it to the gym and that’s ok. As long as you get back on track the next day you’re doing a good job. I apply the same rule to eating. If you get the urge to devour a cupcake that doesn’t mean the rest of the day has to go down the drain. If the rest of the day goes bad don’t let that set the tone for the week. Know that you are human and enjoying delicious food is a part of life. This is your journey and no one else’s so don’t compare. Do your best for you and trust that’s good enough.
At the end of the day a healthy lifestyle means loving yourself.
