As the saying goes, “fail to prepare, prepare to fail”. When you are working towards your weight loss goals, it’s important to try and have a routine in place and good food choices available as much as possible. The key to success really is in the preparation.
Many members of our community will make and freeze a pot of soup, or another healthy meal, so that when their routine is upset, or circumstances change unexpectedly, there is a healthy and quick option they can reach for.
But what can you do when you aren’t prepared to ensure your weight loss goals stay on track?
- Try to be aware of situations that could come up that could throw you off course, and mentally prepare in advance for how to deal with them.
If you are attending a friend’s BBQ, an event or another function where there is likely to be food served that could send you off track, consider eating a healthy meal before you go, so you are more likely to stick to on plan options when you are there, assuming there are any.
- Recognise that situations can and will come up in day-to-day life that could send you off track and that this is not the end of the world.
Sustained weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint, and it is more important that you make the best choice available to you, and keep your head in the game, than to throw in the towel and have a meal with poor food choices, and then feel guilty and give up on your healthy eating for the rest of the day, or even the rest of your week.
- It is better to make the best food choice available to you than to skip a meal altogether.
Skipping meals can negatively affect your metabolism, negatively affect your mood and energy levels, and induce cravings, which often results in an even poorer food choice being made later in the evening.
- If options are limited, it is best to compromise for the option that will cause the least amount of damage to your waistline and your mental approach to your weight loss goals.
For example, if you are at a restaurant and the menu has limited options, go for the one that sounds the least processed – avoid cream sauces, deep-fried sides, and the bread basket, and instead opt for a soup starter to help fill you up, and a side salad with your main. Many restaurants will also try to cater to your needs, so it’s worthwhile having a chat with the server to see if they could help accommodate you.
For more information on the We Slim Together Community, go to: www.weslimcommunity.com