Studies show that most people struggle with consistency when dieting. Not having a sustainable plan is one of the driving forces that cause people to quit and give up.
Weekends are notorious for throwing a wrench into even the best-laid plans. Your intentions may be good, but temptation and habits can get in your way. You’re used to brunch with your friends on Sundays or “date night” with your partner on Fridays. This is how you relax, and this is how you’ve always done things.
What to do? Give up on your goals and accept that you’ll never be able to stick with a diet. You can set up a plan that works for you instead of against you. It’s time to think beyond the box (see what we did there?)
It is possible to plan your week to allow yourself a couple of days to have some “fun foods.” “Fun foods” (and drinks) are higher in calories and harder to stop consuming. So, you must be mindful of how much and how often you consume these foods and drinks.
- Kicking back with co-workers for happy hour on Fridays? Cool. Save yourself about 200 calories for every drink you plan on having.
- Taking the family out for burgers on Saturday night? Fantastic. Skip a snack or 2 at some point during the week and save those calories for a side of fries.
- “Brunching” with your friends on a Sunday? Yay. Have 1 mimosa instead of bottomless mimosas.
- Dining out with your partner because it’s “date night.” Great. Have an appetizer, a drink, or dessert, but not all three.
Stay focused on your goal and allow yourself some room to enjoy food and practice moderation.
We do not expect perfection every week, nor should you. Set yourself up for success by feeding and fueling your body with healthy foods 80% – 90% of the time. If you’re consistent 80% – 90% of the time. you will succeed.
You don’t have to restrict the “fun foods”; you have to make tough choices by reducing the amount of “fun foods.” Once you start winning the weekends like the weekdays, you will see weight loss results faster.