Turn a setback into a comeback ... over the holidays!

Lately I’ve been hearing, “I’ll start back in January” or, “I’m just too busy now with Christmas around the corner”. Loss of interest in health can happen quickly throughout the holiday season. Somewhere along the line you loosen up, start skipping gym appointments and start snacking on all the party foods offered. In short, you’ve given up for now.

Basically, you’ve lost your motivation and need to renew it. When you were following your programme, how did that feel? Did it motivate you? If those positive feelings can be recreated, then you can get your desire back.

Start by putting together a list of your triggers and then find an alternate plan for each trigger. For example, if you’re hungry, don’t go to a fast food joint and don’t go shopping until after you’ve eaten. Or if you’re making your children’s snacks, instead of tasting them, have a glass of water. Support your new behaviours with a small reward that will keep you motivated. Sticking to your meal plan for a few weeks could warrant a spa trip. Also, try and move every chance you get by taking the stairs or walking the long way. Sometimes I wake up and feel like staying in my warm bed but once I make that conscious decision to exercise, I feel so much better. Exercise relieves stress, burns calories, promotes good sleep and raises our endorphins.

Changing our food relationship can tremendously reduce our setbacks. Try not to think of food as the enemy. Learning to make the right dietary choices will make things easier and will take away the feeling of “I’m always dieting!”. Do not cloud your mind with negative thoughts like, “I shouldn’t be eating this or that”. If you make a bad food choice let it go. No one eats perfectly. Not even me!

We have all experienced setbacks. However a comeback is also possible for each of us. Setbacks do not rule your life. So what if you’ve missed a few weeks of exercise or had a few rich dietary buffets. You control your life. Our past cannot be changed, but the future certainly can! When something doesn’t work, find a new approach. Resist the temptation to quit and don’t lose sight of your goals. Keep working toward it and focus on ultimately succeeding. Stay focused and B-Active For Life!

Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than eight years of experience. Check her out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/B.ActiveForLife