You’ve been eating well, working out, and keeping active. But along comes a tough Monday, and all you want to do is collapse on the couch and do nothing.
Having an off day where you eat poorly or skip a workout won’t erase all your progress. The real danger lies in letting one bad day turn into several, which can quickly lead back to old habits.
Sometimes, maintaining a streak is all it takes to stay on track. But how do you do that without going crazy, especially when another super healthy day feels impossible?
Here are some tips for when you’re feeling down but still want to stay healthy.
If you’re tired of bland healthy foods like chicken breasts in a lettuce wrap, that doesn’t mean you have to reach for the worst snacks. Instead of raiding your snack stash, think about something delicious yet healthier, like a juicy steak. Often, the most indulgent meals we imagine can be healthy alternatives. A protein-packed steak, for instance, is often a better choice than a pile of fries, and it’s still every bit as satisfying.
To make things easier, consider using services that deliver healthy yet indulgent foods, like lobster tails. This way, you can enjoy a decadent dish that’s also good for you.
You’ve been consistent with your workouts, but then there’s a day when you feel like even lifting another weight is too much. Pushing yourself when you’re exhausted can lead to burnout. But spending every night on the couch until you’re ready to work out again may mean you never return to the gym.
In these cases, do a little instead of nothing. Take a walk around the block with your favorite podcast or music. Play a casual game of basketball with a friend. Watch your favorite show, but incorporate brief exercise, like doing two minutes of jumping jacks every 15 minutes.
Adding some movement to your day, no matter how small, keeps you in the mindset of prioritizing activity over perfection. This makes it easier to return to your routine when you’re ready.
Sometimes, you’ll be too tired, and you might end up munching on snacks and binge-watching shows all night. That’s okay! Occasionally indulging in this won’t ruin your healthy lifestyle. However, letting this turn into a late-night habit till you’re exhausted the next day can harm your progress.
Being sleep-deprived affects your decision-making, making it harder to make healthy choices the following day. If this sleep-deprivation continues, it becomes even tougher to get back on track with a good sleep schedule and healthy decisions.
Do yourself a favor: after an off day, set an early bedtime and stick to it. It might feel boring, but you’ll appreciate it later.
Perfection in health and fitness is unattainable. Understanding that it’s a lifelong journey, not a short-term fix, helps you keep making good choices, even after a slip-up.
So, treat yourself to a tasty, protein-rich meal or an early bedtime. This way, a small setback doesn’t derail your progress but becomes a brief pause before getting back on track.