We are created for holidays and we all love less work and more play. On top of that, we get to taste various cuisines around the world these days. After the vacation, we try to go to the gym and get back into shape but it doesn’t always work out.
Everybody has been there. The much-anticipated summer holiday arrives and you have worked hard to look great for it and before you know it turns into a couple of weeks of decadence. Hotel buffets at night, poolside cocktails, daily ice-cream, and suddenly you are back home and a few kilos heavier. Here are some tips to get you back in shape after the summer holidays:
1.Never beat yourself up
Initially keep in mind that vacations are the times to spend with the family and your loved ones. All those sundowners and long dinners are done. Put all that behind you and concentrate on what lies ahead of you. This will allow you a greater opportunity for success. Get yourself back on track and literally. Begin visiting the tracks as it is a simple way of becoming more aware of the choices you have to make while eating.
While exercising you will find that you are automatically opting for nutrient-dense and healthier food. There is online help available for this as well, in the form of apps. Some people are target-oriented and they like to set goals such as fitting inside a shirt before a certain date. You may wish to perform a trail race or a fixed number of pull-ups. The exercise should be fun and effective. You can think about getting a motorized bicycle for this as a way of experiencing adventure instead of just going on a normal bike ride.
2. Do not starve yourself
Being on a holiday is not a punishment and there is no quick fix to the problem. Lower calories normally mean that you will fail to hit your macros requirements such as fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. Keep in mind to have regular meals and select a range of food to make sure that you are getting all the nutrients. There is help available on the internet for this as well in the form of guides. Remember, vacations are good for you. The additional sleep decreased stress, and well-deserved personal time means that you are returning to your home in good stead. After this, you can get back into healthy routines with a feeling of rejuvenation and refreshment.
3. Prepare a plan of attack
Get hold of your diary and schedule the workouts properly. Note down the target; decide a realistic timeline, and what you are willing to do in terms of losing weight every week to meet the target. After this, place the timelines on the calendar. Many people find that written things help them concentrate more and a lot of them like to tick off things from a list.
Try to prepare longer lists for the holidays because you have more time to think and you will feel motivated to tick off the items from the list when you get back. You can also start with meal planning. Prepare a shopping list containing your favorite healthy food and then go shopping for the items on the list. Ensure that you are shopping after you have consumed food. This will ensure that you are not tempted to add questionable snacks. You can get the groceries delivered to your home to make sure that you are not required to stand in the queue.
4. Remove all the trigger food items
You may go through the closets and throw away the things that will derail you from the target. When you remove the problem out of the equation you will be on a quicker track toward success. Try to get family and partners on board with your efforts. Let the loved ones in on your plans so that they become a reliable support network instead of people that are pulling you off the right track. Remember, encouragement can make a huge difference. Another extremely useful and significant item is water retention because it also helps in staving off the hunger pangs. In places where it gets hot, it is necessary to up the water intake in any case. Be sure to have a refill available at a convenient place.
This article was written by Vincent Rubin.
He is a life coach with 7 years of experience with a focus on family relationships. In his free time, he likes to read and spend time with his family doing outdoor activities. Right now he is focused on sharing his expertise with a wider audience through his writing.