Summer vs. Healthy Living – Which Will Win?
Following a strict diet and exercise regimen is hard. First and foremost, it’s hard to socialize or even leave the house when you have a set menu and schedule for eating. And how does one feed a family in that situation? Second, the warmer months offer myriad ways to get active while enjoying the beautiful weather. An exercise regime that requires hours in the gyms or logging the miles makes it hard to truly enjoy the carefree nature of summer. It also hinders success. Finally, when adhering to extremes, getting off track feels defeating. Healthy habits are formed as a result of repetition so if it’s not something you can consistently stick to, the likelihood of turning that practice into a habit is low.
It’s easy to get caught up in what’s popular and mainstream, but the key to success with any plan is an ability to hold yourself accountable and stick with it. When you decide to jump on the bandwagon of the current trend, you increase your likelihood of failure because that plan may not meet you and your family’s needs. And if it doesn’t work for you and your family, the chances of long-term success are nil.
Here are five ways to stay healthy and happy this summer:
1. Stay hydrated.
It seems so simple but getting a sufficient amount of water each day is hard for many. But it’s a simple way to do something for you and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you notice a difference. If you struggle to get enough water each day or are looking for ways to make hydrating a bit more exciting, check out Mind Body Green’s summer hydration hacks.
2. Beyond diet and exercise.
Often times, when the goal is to lose weight, the first thought is to restrict calories and exercise more. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to weight loss and success goes beyond diet and exercise. Medical News Today shared 14 ways to lose weight without diet and exercise. Because when you working, constantly on the go and managing a family, strict diet and exercise plans rarely work.
3. Restrictions suck.
When pursuing a goal, it’s not uncommon to want an easy solution. If trying to lose weight, we think that a meal plan that outlines exactly what I should eat and when will make everything easier. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case and let’s be honest… meal plans suck. Especially when mealtime involves other family members. Precision Nutrition outlined why meal plans fail and shared some practical advice on how to approach meal planning for results and long-term success.
4. Don’t let the weekend win.
.For many, it is easy to make healthy choices during the week. The routine of work, home and family creates a natural rhythm that is not only reassuring but easy to stick to. But then the weekend comes and the opportunity to indulge, especially if you were following a strict plan during the week, is everywhere. Happy hour with coworkers. A date night with the husband. A BBQ at the neighbor’s house. Indulgence is one of the many joys of life, but an all-out frenzy each weekend only serves to discourage. Precision Nutrition outlined 5 strategies to quit weekend overeating. It’s not that you can’t indulge a little, but it’s also about choices and letting go of the urge to overthink everything you eat.
5. Give yourself a break.
.Summer is a time of BBQs and get-togethers. Alcohol often gets a bad rap, but not all drinks are created equal. Even dietitians recognize the need for a cocktail now and then. Self shared 14 low-calorie alcoholic drinks that registered dietitians love. This article shows how it is possible to indulge in an adult beverage in a responsible way. And remember, it’s more about quality than quantity.
Making Yourself a Priority Isn’t Selfish – It’s Necessary.
Many women, especially moms, want to prioritize their health and well-being, while also modeling good habits for their families. But as women and moms, we often care for ourselves last, and sometimes, this is the way it has to be. Strict regimens don’t work when life is all about flexibility and oftentimes, creating your own non-plan plan is the best way to stick with it and ultimately find success in the long-run. When you know that flexibility is a must, planning for surprises and flexibility ensures a plan that fits your busy and driven mama life.
Looking to create some more flexibility in your life while achieving your health and wellness goals? Find a Certified Health & Wellness Coach that can help you create a personalized plan that fits your personality, lifestyle and preferences so you can enjoy those BBQs and get-togethers without the guilt of falling off a diet or program.
