Dangerously close to falling off the wagon - I need a lift!

mazmataz
mazmataz Posts: 331 Member
in Motivation and Support
So I've been doing pretty well over the past 4 weeks or so, actually enjoying taking things slowly, still enjoying life, enjoying running again. However as often happens in life, something came up! A friend from overseas is visiting me this week, and then I have a vacation in Hawaii in two weeks...and my brain has switched into severe holiday mode!

Yesterday was the first weekday in four weeks where I haven't logged, and today was the second. My friend arrived yesterday so I decided to show her some of the culinary delights that my city has to offer! I was out quite late drinking beer (sigh) with her last night, which means I'm slightly sluggish today at work...and majorly craving some big, fat, white processed carbs!

I need to not let this be the theme of the next few weeks. We are taking a week long roadtrip on Sunday which will involve lots of hiking, so that's something at least! I see this as an opporunity to change my behaviour around special occassions and holidays, and to get rid of 'pig out' mode...some advice on how to do this would be wonderful!! :)

Replies

  • breanazank
    breanazank Posts: 44
    Hey, it happens! If you over-indulged past your target for the day, suggest sight seeing around the city/area and walk! If you're looking at other things and (possibly shopping, lol) it will distract you and make you feel like you're not just "working out"

    I do this on the regular when I overthink everything i did. I take a walk in the park, go to the mountains/beach, heck I've even walked around in the mall for exercise ahaha.

    As far as food... try packing lunch/snacks that you know are healthy! Talk to him/her/them about your goals and express how important it is to you to stay on track -- I bet they will be more than supportive!
    When I go out to dinner with friends, I know I'm going to drink. So throughout the day I eat super clean and healthy and try to move around more to compensate. You don't have to be 100% on target or accurate; the goal here is to be aware of what you're eating, to feel good, and to recognize portion control!

    You got this girlie :)
    Have fun on your trip(s)!!
  • Lizzy622
    Lizzy622 Posts: 3,705 Member
    HOLD ON TO THE WAGON!!! Don't fall off and keep logging. On vacation it helps to track even if I know I am going over. By doing this I usually stay pretty close to maintenance and go back to my deficit much easier when I get back.
  • qtgonewild
    qtgonewild Posts: 1,930 Member
    just gotta get back on the horse and ride it. one or two days arent going to ruin your progress. but one or two days turning into a month and even longer sure will. how bad do you want it?
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    If you change your mindset of "on the wagon" being a temporary thing, then you may cope better. It's a lifestyle change. You have to learn how to navigate all of the holidays, vacations, parties, etc. You can decide that the next 3 weeks will be a diet break, or you can decide to try to keep things in check by making healthier choices, knowing this is going to be difficult with the circumstances. You can decide to exercise more. You can decide to drink half as much by having a water in between each drink. You can decide to try to eat at restaurants where you can look up the calories and choose your meal ahead of time.

    There are a lot of things you can do, with some advance planning. You just have to decide how you want to proceed.
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    Boy do I know what you mean about the carb cravings! Anytime I indulge like that, it can be really hard to get back on track. The best way I've found to get through these times is to make sure you have a plan in place for when you're back from vacation so there are no excuses and no hesitations. Before you even leave, make a grocery list and a menu for your first week back and it will make things so much easier! You could buy some freezer friendly foods in advance (meats, frozen veg & fruit) so there's less to think about. Or even make up a batch of soup and/or low cal casserole and freeze individual portions so you've got meals all ready to go.

    As far as when you're on vacation, I've done pretty well in the past by making the best food choices I can and getting in plenty of activity. Keep reminding yourself that just because you're eating in a restaurant, it doesn't mean you have to indulge - it's just another meal. However, I would pick one meal/restaurant where you know you want to go all out and just enjoy.

    One thing to keep in mind if you do come back and see a gain, some of that will be water weight as restaurant food is VERY high in sodium. Try to make sure you're drinking plenty of water as that will help offset some of it but not all.

    Have fun and don't stress too much about the calories! :)
  • mazmataz
    mazmataz Posts: 331 Member
    Thanks for the words guys - it really gave me boost!

    Monika - I will join that FB group, can't do it right now as I don't have access at work #dotheyexpectustoworkalldayorwhat

    Over the years I've ironed out most of my mental issues around my weight, but like MinnieMaine mentione....I need to get out of the mentality that when allow myself a 'break', I don't need to go crazy and order the most calorific thing on the menu. It's probably not even what I really want...it's just how I've trained my brain to work after a lifetime of yoyo dieting!

    I'm sure that there will be plenty of activity on this vacation, I'm a fairly active and adventurous person...I just need to sort out the last little issue around my attitude towards food, and this is the perfect opportunity to do it.

    Thanks again guys - really means a lot!! x
  • louannsab
    louannsab Posts: 22 Member
    Hi, I just want to share what I do on times that I get lazy and want to slack on bed all day.
    I've followed some inspiring people on instagram. And since I'm always checking it, I can't miss seeing everyday motivation. Try following @wesweat, they all always post progress/transformation photos that are very inspiring.
    That makes me stand up and play workout dvds and kick myself.
  • jen_zz
    jen_zz Posts: 1,011 Member
    I can relate to your struggles.. all I can say is the only way you would fail is to give up.. so definitely keep it up with your good work!!

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