You’ve finally switched to a healthy, balanced diet and then something happens that gets you out of your routine. Whether it’s the holiday season, busy schedule or travelling, you somehow can’t get back on track or resist the temptations. Sometimes, nothing out of the ordinary happens yet you still have difficulties sticking to a healthy diet. Fortunately, there are more than a few ways to motivate yourself and overcome the obstacles.
Keep track of your progress
Monitoring your progress regularly will motivate you to stick to your diet. If you notice that you’ve lost a few kilograms, you’ll be proud of yourself and inspired to continue with your healthy diet. Furthermore, if you have insight into how well you’re doing, even when you come across temptations, you’ll feel a bit guilty if you deviate from your routine now. You should weigh yourself regularly or enter your data into a calorie-tracking app. However, don’t obsess over your weight – don’t let it become a burden.
Come up with a meal plan
If you have a busy schedule, there will be times when ordering a pizza will be much easier than cooking a meal and so, you give in to the temptation. On the other hand, if you plan your meals for the entire week, you won’t have this moment of weakness. Instead, you’ll just take a look at your plan and see what’s on the menu. You can always cook meals for the entire week and put them in the freezer. You don’t even have to cook, but just heat up your dish.
Spice things up
Eating the same meals over and over again will eventually push you over the edge and you’ll be eating junk food before you know it. Therefore, you should spice things up – literally. Adding herbs and spices to your meals can truly add to their flavour. Pair them up with a small amount of high-fat condiments, such as blue cheese, pesto or guacamole, and you’ll transform your ordinary, boring meals into a true feast.
Be a mindful eater
One of the biggest problems is the fact that most people enjoy eating while watching their favourite movies or having a snack every now and then while cooking. However, this will lead to exceeding your allowed calorie intake or eventually indulging yourself in the not-so-healthy foods. Therefore, you should try to become a mindful eater. You should be aware of your eating instead of just stuffing yourself mindlessly in front of the TV. Don’t eat while standing up, but take a seat and enjoy your meal at peace.
Beware of parties and corporate events
Parties and corporate events are always a challenge for those trying to stick to a healthy diet. With all those chips, dips, appetisers and cocktails, it’s difficult to stay on the right track. Therefore, approach these events with a clear plan in mind. You should ask the person hosting the party if there will be any options that meet your needs. You shouldn’t hesitate to do this, especially if it’s a corporate event. There are a lot of catering companies that offer various menus according to any specific dietary requirements and preferences, be it vegan or dairy- and gluten-free options. Thus, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask in order to know what to expect and prepare accordingly.
Treat yourself
Sticking to a healthy diet isn’t a way of punishing yourself, which means that you can indulge yourself in a treat or two. However, the key lies in moderation and controlled portions. Just because you’re indulging yourself that doesn’t mean that you should eat an entire bucket of ice-cream. Instead, you should opt for calorie-controlled portions of your favourite specialties and treats. Once you’ve satisfied your cravings, you’ll be less likely to succumb to temptation.
Plan for travel
While travelling, you may be tempted to take a break from your diet and indulge yourself. However, this can easily spiral out of control and you’ll get right back where you started before you know it. Instead, try to plan ahead, pack healthy snacks and visit local market for fresh produce. When indulging, keep it moderate and balanced. You’ll be happy you’ve made it despite the temptations.
Sticking to a healthy diet is a matter of personal motivation. If you truly want to stay healthy and fit, no obstacle is insurmountable.
About the author:
Roxana is a travel enthusiast and lifestyle consultant from Sydney and she loves to write about her adventures. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves and loves beaches and sunshine! You can find out more about her writing following her on twitter and facebook. She is also one of the editors at Higstylife Magazine.