It happens to the best of us. Sometimes it’s a tiny blip and you get right back on. Sometimes it’s a bumpy ride with repeated stumbles in a short period of time. Other times you need a few days to gather up your strength, will or motivation to get back on. Ultimately, what matters is most is getting back on.
I fell off mine recently, gained two of the three kilos I lost since starting my new plan. I got back on track, re-lost those two kilos and have stayed on the wagon for two weeks now and I feel great and confident. Rather than view it as a failure, I’m using it as a learning experience. I broke broke and bent some rules during that time, saw and felt the effects, and now feel I know where and when I can be flexible with certain choices which may slow my progress versus how much will halt my progress, or worse, reverse my journey. I also know that even if I do regress, I can re-gain control. The quicker I get back on track the easier it is.
Based on this and previous experience so have worked through. Here my tips for staying on and getting back on the wagon:
- If you make a mistake or two, forgive yourself and move on.
- If you indulge, enjoy it, savour it and then get over it.
- Let go of feelings of guilt or regret, they will only prolong the fall and things worse.
- Don’t jump off. Hold on, you can do it!
- Be prepared. Plan your meals and snacks and prepare them in advance. Get your gym kit ready and packed, block the time off in your calendar.
- Pay attention to how you feel, to what is happening in your life that may trigger stumbles.
- Journal food, activity, emotions to help you identify things that may cause ups and downs.
- Start every day fresh, forget about yesterday and don’t think about tomorrow (except for preparing meals and snacks).
- If you have a cheat or bad moment, don’t let it ruin your entire day.
- Remind yourself that it’s OK to have a bad day, then do your best to nip it in the bud.
- Remember that you are not alone, everyone goes through ups and downs.
- The only thing stopping you from getting back on the wagon is you, so just do it.
- When the going gets tough, remember why you are doing this, look back at your accomplishments so far and focus on your goals.
- If you feel you may fall, stop, breathe, ask yourself if it’s really worthwhile. If that isn’t enough, call a friend or take a walk to distract yourself from temptation, it will pass.
- Only you can do this for you, only you can take care of you. Rely on yourself.
- Most important, It’s never too late to get back on track.
I hope these tips can help you out. If you have other tips to share, post them in the comments below.
