This is a very common question I get asked both personally and professionally all the time -- how do you stay on track with healthy eating, exercising and more? It's a great question because often times when we feel stressed out or our schedules are overbooked we seem to loose track of our health goals. As well, some of us just loose motivation after a few weeks. Does this describe you?
I know this might surprise you, but it's more than just "motivation and self-control" when it comes to staying on track with your health goals. In fact, it's more about letting go of "control" especially when it comes to having the occasional indulgence. From personal experience, I used to think food was the enemy, I felt guilty if I ate ice cream and constantly counted my calories and weighed myself. And you can definitely move past this. I did! I've never looked back and I've never felt healthier and happier than I do now.
I focused on how healthy eating and moving my booty makes me feel as opposed to how I look.
Looking great is really just a side effect of great health. When you feel healthy on the inside, it boosts your confidence and you feel beautiful on the outside. Taking time for self-care is extremely important no matter if you live alone, have 4 kids or 3 dogs and a cat!
Make time to take care of you, because you'll be kinder to yourself and towards others and the world will be a more joyous place.... seriously!
So quit beating yourself up about not being able to stay on track and watch this video because I really hope you get some valuable tips out of it.
There you have it! My six tips for staying on track. As I'm finishing up writing this post I'm realizing that I've been sitting for over an hour so I'm going to get up and move around :)
What keeps you on track health-wise? Share with us below!
Have a joyous day! Joy
Hi Joy, Exactly what I was looking for!!! Thank you for the logical, simple to implement strategies and for promoting self-care...sometimes you just need reassurance that it is okay (and necessary) to invest in yourself despite the many daily demands!! :) Keep these videos coming!!!!!!
ReplyThanks Vanessa! Will do :)
Love your videos Joy! So helpful. Thank you. Looking forward to more. :)
ReplyThanks Stacy! Glad you enjoyed it! What are your tips to stay on track health-wise?
Love your videos Joy, they're very motivating! I really like your reminder that it's ok to slip with bad foods, and it doesn't mean you need to keep sliding on a downwards spiral. It's never too late to get back into healthy eating and living. A couple of tips to stay on track: 1. Get up early and go to the gym. Too often we are tired after work, and it is easy to make excuses not to hit the gym. I find if I go before work I get a boost of energy and feel great the rest of the day. 2. Find some healthy meals you enjoy and repeat them each week until you're tired of them. This has helped me save time on planning all my meals and trying to find new recipes all the time, which can be discouraging.
ReplyGreat tips Jessica! It's so true, plus morning exercise is such an awesome energy booster!
Thanks for the inspiring videos and your dedication to actually healthy recipes and meals. Awesome!
ReplyMy pleasure Esther!
I really liked your tip about 'not feeling guilty!' I'm just starting to realize that that never works for me...And, it's impossible to eat clean/well ALL the time!! I also totally agree that it is a lifestyle -- another thing my body is starting to tell me as it does consistently feel better/prefer to eat well...It's been a gradual realizing, but now I think I'm ready to eat well as a lifestyle!! It just feels better (and, because it's been such a gradual process/realization for me, it doesn't feel rushed or hard.) So, go with the process, go with YOUR process for coming into a healthy lifestyle!! (P.S. I'm going to try that food journal thing.)
ReplyYou've got the right attitude Nicole and doing it as a gradual process is the best way to do it for long-lasting sustainable change :) Good luck with the food journal!
Hi Joy, You make excellent points, especially the diet-mentality one and having fun with food. I have made so many positive changes and a lot of that I owe to you and your book. So, a sincere Thank-you I think the only thing I would add to your advice is: resolve, or better yet get the support you need for emotional issues. A lot of health and fitness industries tend to overlook how much emotional eating can be a HUGE part of the equation. I’ve read every health book on the planet but all the knowledge in the world won’t help if the issues run deeper than that. Something as subtle as boredom at work was a huge trigger for me but I never saw it that way…I just blamed it on lack of self-discipline and motivation. That, in turn, made me feel even worse of course and then vicious cycles ensued of starting and stopping different health plans. As soon as I started getting support through a counselor for what was really going on, food no longer had the same power over me. I continue to make positive changes (progress, not perfection as you say) and I feel much lighter! Physically, but more importantly, my spirit feels lighter. So I highly recommend digging a bit deeper if need be and taking the time we all deserve to be there for ourselves. The results will last a lifetime and it becomes so much easier to stay on track!
ReplyHi Margaret, That's definitely a great point. We all need a little external support sometimes! Kate - Joyous Health Team
You're a true inspiration! Thank you so much :)
ReplyThanks Ana, we're happy to help! Kate - Joyous Health Team
perfect timing! just needed that good swift kick in the butt to keep going. thanks Joy!
ReplyHi Judy, We all need one of those sometimes! :) Kate - Joyous Health Team
Great suggestions Joy. I will definitely restart my lifestyle and incorporate your suggestions. Thank you. Louise G
ReplyThanks Louise! Wishing you joyous health!
Hi Joy! Love your enthusiasm and positivity! I agree that scheduling, like literally writing down your dinner and exercise plans into your day every week helps. Just that little bit of goal setting and planning (so you know when you need to defrost the batch cooking! Etc) I just wondered if *you*had an organizational system? Or meal planning system? Or even a print out link for that lovely schedule it looks like you are filling out in the above photo? Thanks so much and wishing you well :) Xo
ReplyHi Julia! Thanks for sharing such kind words :) If you go to the following link: http://www.joyoushealth.com/resources/ you can download the wellness questionnaire which has a food journal that can be used as a great meal planning tool! Happy planning :) Heather- Joyous Health team