Have you heard of the “freshman fifteen?” Who knew you could experience that simply by visiting your child at college? I did at my daughter’s Friends and Family Weekend. It was a fabulous event with lots of fun activities and So. Much. Food. By the time we left, my pants were uncomfortably tight, and I was swallowing my own samples of Kios DS and beating myself up the complete lack of self-control.
On the drive home, it hit me: I am slipping into holiday mode. You know, that time period between Halloween and New Year’s when you write off overeating, overdrinking, and not exercising with the excuse: “I’ll get back to [start] a healthy routine after the holidays.” Or, in my case this weekend, “I’ll get back to my routine when we get home.”
Unfortunately, it’s really easy to find an excuse or a justification for eating too much, drinking too much, and not working out. But eating unhealthily and letting physical activity lapse for even a short period of time makes it that much harder to get back into a routine leaving us in the same place, making the same New Year’s resolution we did last year.
Maybe this doesn’t apply to you at all. If not, please don’t let my rambling detain you from finishing your kale smoothie and getting to the gym. For those of you who are still here, let’s look at ways to get past some of the typical excuses.
Excuse #1: I will eat better when the holidays are over
This year, I am striving simultaneously not to deprive myself and not to overindulge. Since I don’t eat meat, I live for side dishes. This year, I am going to try to sample everything rather than eating big portions. We’ve heard that taking small bites, eating slowly, and practicing mindful eating are all techniques that can help you lose weight and take control of your eating. So instead of filling your plates, try to enjoy a few bites of pumpkin pie and your other favorite holiday fare. Chances are you will feel satisfied and avoid the guilt, bellyaches, and caloric ramifications large portions bring.
Excuse #2: I will go to the gym tomorrow
Few of us leave the gym saying, “Boy, I really wish I had stayed in bed instead of working out today.” No, it’s usually the opposite. Remind yourself how good finishing a workout feels every time you don’t want to start one. Dragging yourself out of bed to go to the gym or for a walk or run or to yoga class is worth the rush of endorphins that will still have you smiling hours later.
Excuse #3: I will not drink soda tomorrow
There are no health benefits of soda. Zero. Think of it like smoking. You can’t really make a case for having a cigarette because it holds not one benefit. The same is true of your favorite soda—diet included. It’s bad for your weight, your teeth, your bones, and some studies have shown links between soda and asthma. So no matter how much you love soda, you probably love your life more. Trade it for water.
Excuse #4: I don’t have the time or money
Start small; do something; move. You don’t need a gym membership to stay fit. Walking is not only one of the best forms of exercise, but it is also free. Walk outside, walk in the mall, walk to work, just walk. For me, the gym membership holds me accountable. Since I am extremely frugal, paying for something I don’t use is unacceptable. As for time, I challenge you: Add up the time you spend watching tv and using social media. Ouch. Yep, we’ve got time.
These are a few of my favorite excuse busters, but there are hundreds of other ways to stay accountable for your health. What are your favorite tips?
no more bellyaching 