Not feeling so great after the Holiday Season? Here are 4 ways to help you get back
on track.
1. Set realistic exercise goals
Don’t worry so much about setting a weight loss/gain goal when starting back, focus
on the process. When setting your back on track goal, set a realistic goal for the
number of days/week and amount of time/day you think you can commit to while
getting back on track. Set your goal, make it visible and stick to it.
2. Get back to your healthy routine
A good way to get back into your regular exercise routine is to do what you enjoy
and get back to a routine that has worked for you. Whether it is going for a jog
before school/work, a favourite group fitness class or a workout that leaves you
feeling great, try doing the things you enjoy most while you’re getting settled back
in.
3. Plan your next trip to the grocery store
One of the best ways to ensure your eating habits get back on track is to surround
yourself with the right choices. Before you go to the grocery store next, make a plan.
On a full stomach, make a list of your regular healthy choices and stick to the plan
when you go to the store.
4. Focus on how you want to feel.
Often when people are trying to motivate themselves back to a healthy lifestyle, they
use guilt. They try to shame themselves into the right habits. But guilt cannot offer
sustainable energy; it’s not very inspiring. In fact, it usually ends up feeding
‘comfort’ behaviours (comfort foods, inactivity, diversions), not positive change. So
instead, keep reminding yourself of how you do want to feel. Stay focused on a
vision of yourself that energizes you: fit, strong, healthy, happy, proud. This will be
your lighthouse.
**The experts suggest at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise 5-7 days/week to
stay healthy.**