Have you veered off your weight loss plan?  No worries, it happens to us all.  The key is to get back on that path towards good health.  I’m here to help.  We’ll tackle this problem together!

You see, healthy weight loss isn’t all about what you eat.  It isn’t all about exercise.  And, it isn’t all about your mental motivation.  It’s about all three.  Without all three areas covered, you’re going to have a difficult time getting on that path and staying on course.

Three Paths, One Destination:  Healthy Weight Loss!

Path One:  Eating

1. Figure out WHY you left your diet plan.

Did you go astray because there was a giant cheeseburger on the side of the path whispering come hither?  Or was it the creamy ice cream?  Chances are, if you were going along your diet plan all the while craving things that you love and missing them dearly, your diet was more than likely too strict.  First off, never let an indulgence knock you off the path completely.  Just work a bit harder at the gym.  If these indulgences happen too often, adjust your diet plan to allow for either replacements for your favourites (salty healthful snacks for salty, greasy junk or creamy smoothies for ice cream etc.) OR find a diet plan that isn’t so strict.

2.  Big Event

Often times, big events like holidays, parties or weddings can really throw a monkey wrench in your dieting efforts.  If you’re still reeling from a recent big event and haven’t paid much attention to your weight loss efforts, it’s time to snap back.  How?  First off, if it was a party you threw and you still have a bunch of leftover fattening foods in the fridge, get a giant garbage bag and toss it all!  I know, I know, waste not want not, but hey, we’re talking about your health here!!  Secondly, the next time around do yourself a favor and hit the gym more while you are planning the event.  You’ll need it for the stress these things cause, and you’ll be far more likely to stay committed to your weight loss efforts!

3.  Farmer’s Market

Having trouble staying motivated to eat the right things?  Go to a local farmer’s market.  I promise you that all the aesthetically and aromatically pleasing fruits and veggies will lure you right back on track!

Path Two:  Exercise

1.  Zzzzzzzzzz???

If you were working out for more than three weeks and still found your routine less than inspiring, TOSS it!!  You need a different approach towards exercising because the norm is that if you commit to anything for three weeks, you will have made it a habit that you look forward to.  Be creative and give anything a shot!  Anything that will get you good and sweaty three to four times a week is worth a try!

2.  Try, Try Again!

Of course, this means that conversely, if you haven’t given it a chance for at least three weeks, you maybe ought to give it another shot.  It can be tough to commit to exercise in the beginning depending on how long it’s been.  You may find things difficult and frustrating at first.  You may be discouraged by a little stiffness or feeling winded during cardio.  Hey, it’s all good!  Stay committed, stay focused and keep going!

3.  Patience!

Here’s the thing.  I actually have talked with folks at my gym who fully expect that after one week in the gym, they will in fact look like David Beckham or Posh.  Sorry, no.

HOWEVER, if you keep working out, two things will happen:

You will learn to LOVE working out and you will no longer concern yourself with the short-term.

One day, in the near future, you will look in the mirror and think “WOW! I look fantastic! It’s really, really working!!!”

Path Three:  Mental Wellness

1.  Repeat after me:  GUILT IS A WASTED EMOTION!!!

Don’t cut your nose off to spite your face.  You feel guilty because you ate half a cake, so you figure, what the hell and eat the other half.  Stop!!!  Should you eat half a cake?  Of course not, but you’ve done it and you can’t undo it by feeling bad and eating more.  You’re letting your guilt thwart your efforts.  Let it go!  IF you eat half a cake, work it off the next day without guilt or remorse.

2.  “I’ll start on Monday, I promise!”

Well, then Monday comes and goes and it becomes NEXT Monday.  As the Nike campaign says “Just DO it!”  I don’t care if it’s half way through a lazy Saturday and you’ve been sitting on the couch eating crisps for four hours.  Get your bum up, shake the crumbs off your t-shirt and go for a walk!  I guarantee you that you will feel fantastic for doing so.  What do you have to lose?  Oh, I know… weight!!

3.  It’s OKAY to ask for help.

Hey, you wouldn’t light up a cigarette in front of someone who just quit, right?  And most folks wouldn’t have a cocktail around someone who just got out of alcohol rehab.  Why then, should your loved ones eat whatever aromatic delight they desire in your presence when you are trying to retrain yourself to eat more healthfully?  No, you can’t put yourself in a bubble and no, people can’t cater to your every need.  HOWEVER, there is no need for your spouse to munch down a triple bacon cheddar burger and fries right in front of you.  Explain to your loved ones that you really need their support.  Perhaps your spouse could save his or her artery clogging delights for lunch time when you are not together.  You’d be doing your loved ones or co-workers a favor anyway!  After all, even if others in your life are thin as rails, that type of eating simply isn’t good for anyone!

So, what are you waiting for?  The good news is that the path to healthy weight loss never closes no matter how long it’s been since you took a stroll.  All you have to do is get back on it and it will take you where you need to be! Read more on The 3 Paths to Weight Loss…