Ok, how many of you have decided you are headed on vacation and figure you’ll lose a bit before you go … and that doesn’t happen. I am getting ready to head on vacation and decided I was going to lose 10lbs before I left. Here’s some tips on how to get into shape before you go.
First, it is important to determine realistic goals. Many of us decide we are going to get swimsuit ready based on an old photo of us or better (worse) yet Sports Illustrated version of swimsuit ready. If you’ve put on 50lbs over years its not coming off in weeks. Sticking to the goal of 1-2lbs per week is important. This goal allows you to actually change your lifestyle and keep the weight off over the long haul.
Second, Remember that the focus should be on healthy eating and exercise. Portion size is important and make sure you are getting enough intensity in your exercise to burn sufficient calories to meet a 1-2lb loss each week. A great site I like to use is livestrong.com (I am not affiliated in any way and make no money off my suggestion. It’s just a site I have had success tracking my food and exercise with because I can take it on my phone or from my computer)
Third, Don’t crash diet. This leads to over eating later and can actually help you gain more than you lost. Here’s the deal: If I weigh 150lbs and I want to lose 20lbs, I crash diet, I get to 130 and then I decide I can eat whatever I want. See #1. If I haven’t worked on healthy lifestyle habits such as mindful eating and conscious choice in my foods I am going to fall back to the same ole same ole and we typically don’t notice how much we’ve gained until our clothes don’t fit again. MEANING – I’ve gained more weight than I was packing before because my clothes in my closet fit a 150lb person.
Fourth, it is important to keep perspective. Vacations are supposed to be fun and relaxing. If you don’t make your goal it is OK. Just by trying you’ve gained insight into what didn’t work for you. This is important for next time. Insanity is trying the same thing over and over and expecting different results – and its the same in weight loss. If you don’t succeed this time, try again, using a different path.
Finally, ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY! You will get more out of your vacation and come back more refreshed if you just let go and have a good time.
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