GirlsGuideTo | Diet Do: Jump Back on the Wagon

Overdid it yesterday? Let me guess what’s going through your mind right now. “Ugh, why did I eat that hamburger followed by a thousand chips and all those s’mores. Not to mention all that beer. I’m so gross! Look at how fat I am today. I’ll never do it again! Today is Day One, I’ll be so perfect! I’ll hit the gym for a few hours after work and you know I really don’t need that breakfast…” Am I right? But here’s the thing: Expecting to be perfect and going overboard on the resolutions will just lead to disappointment when you inevitably slip up. It’s much easier to follow these simple steps to get back to your version of normal eating. Here’s how to jump back on the wagon without going crazy!

Don’t Step on the Scale
Stop. Put it away. You don’t need it. It’s only going to freak you out. You don’t need to see a number that’s going give you anxiety, you already have enough of that going on. Any weight gain you would see would just be water anyway, so give yourself a few days before you get back on the scale.

Drink a Ton of Water
I know this seems counterintuitive, but when you’re retaining water, the best thing you can do is drink water. It will flush everything out and help cut down on bloating. Plus, it’s a simple healthy habit that can help you feel successful, and therefore, more motivated to add in other healthy habits!

Don’t Skip Meals
Like I said, there’s no need to go overboard. Don't skip a meal or two just because you feel you might have blown it on the holiday. Simply start the day with a filling, low-calorie breakfast like a bowl of oatmeal or cereal that has 150 calories and no less than 4 grams fiber per serving paired with skim milk and fruit for added fiber so you'll feel fuller on fewer calories.

Load Up on Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and veggies are nature’s detoxers. They’re full of water, fiber, and good-for-you nutrients, which will rebalance your system and get you feeling normal in no time. So skip the dramatic cleanse and simply pick up these whole foods.

Don’t Beat Yourself Up
Sticking to too strict a diet after a day or two of indulgence can be just as ineffective for weight loss success as overeating. Strict restrictions lead to a repetitive pattern of self-deprivation, which can result in bingeing, weight-grain and worsening self-image. Doesn’t sound good, does it? Instead, be smart about picking filling, but controlled portions.: Portion control is absolutely central to losing weight.

Get In a Workout
Working out will make you feel a thousand times better. Seriously. It’s all those endorphins! But, just because you overdid it, don’t turn around and overdo it at the gym. Using a workout to “purge” your wrongdoings is going down a bad road for your mental health. Instead, go on a long walk with a friend or hit the gym to do whatever you would normally do so you feel better without going to a negative place.

Let It Go
Ok, so you overate. Who cares? You don’t need to get down about it. Think about it like this: Would you want to live your life not celebrating holidays or special occasions? It’s one day of your life and if eating three s’mores and drinking several beers is how you want to celebrate, embrace it. You are not going to gain weight from one day of indulgence. So for your mental health, let it go and be nice to yourself.

How do you get back on track after a day of overdoing it?