So, you splurged on that super-sweet, mega-huge ice cream cone after dinner this weekend? Or maybe your spouse surprised you with a night out, and you had a little too much wine.
Either way, it’s safe to say you blew your dietary goals for the day, but that doesn’t mean you need to throw in the towel altogether, or starve yourself for the next three days.
How Do I Make Up For Splurging?
First of all, don’t think of it as making up for something. You indulged a little – it’s not the end of the world. Instead of giving in to guilt and getting discouraged, consider the following advice.
-
Get right back on track. Whether you blew it during one meal or an entire day, don’t throw in the towel and continue the bad eating. Chalk it up to being human and move on, making your next meal a healthy one.
-
Remain positive. When you slip up, take a moment to remember the reasons you set your goals in the first place. Whether you want to lose weight or just be healthier, reminding yourself of those reasons will renew your motivation. And keep in mind, this is a long-term process.
-
Do some evaluating. Assess your slip-up and determine what outside factors influenced your bad decision. If there were unhealthy foods in your cabinet that you couldn’t resist, avoid buying them in the future. If your friends talked you into splitting dessert, consider letting them in on your goals.
-
Exercise to prepare. If you know it’s date night and there may be decadent dishes, get in an extra (or extra long) workout that day. Though this probably won’t make up for all the extra calories you consume, it can mitigate some of the damage. But remember, you can never out-exercise a bad diet!
-
Don’t starve yourself. You may think you can “make up” for binging by skipping meals the next day. This is never a good idea; it will leave you extremely hungry and may cause you to binge eat again later. It’s crucial to your health that you get the necessary nutrients from food, which can’t happen if you’re not eating.
-
Phone a friend. Any goal is easier accomplished with the help of a support system. Whether it’s your spouse, a friend, or a professional, find someone to keep you accountable and encourage you as you reach milestones in your health journey.
Where Can I Find The Support I Need?
When you need a little extra help, consider joining a program that encourages you to maintain a healthy lifestyle. At Matrix Age Management in Amarillo, we offer support through exercise, supplements, nutrition, hormone optimization and lifestyle coaching. Reach out to us to learn how we can help you maximize your health.
