Sabotage

I’ve seen this mistake over and over when people get started with a fitness plan … or, get re-started after falling off track.

They go in with an overly aggressive plan, get frustrated when they can’t stick to it, and allow themselves to slide into a period of unhealthy behavior.

As the Beastie Boys said, “Listen all y’all, it’s sabotage!”

How can you avoid this pattern? It all comes back to your mindset again.

If you believe that you won’t be able to resist all the rich food options or make time for exercise during holiday season, guess what’s going to happen?

You’re going to indulge in all the rich food options, and your workout clothes aren’t going to get much of a workout.

But we can also oversteer in the other direction, too. Deciding that you’re going to eat nothing but salad and grilled chicken while walking 5 miles a day between Thanksgiving and New Year’s isn’t realistic.

Be reasonable. Don’t try to be perfect.

Commit to something you’re 80 percent certain you can stick to every day.

Maybe it’s a 15-minute bodyweight workout three days a week. 

If you’re doing out to dinner, research the menu ahead of time and decide on a healthier option with some substitutions (veggies instead of starch). This way, you won’t be tempted by all the rich, unhealthy options that the restaurant is trying to dazzle you with.

If you’re going to a holiday party, use a strategy I call “pre-eating.” Have a protein shake, raw veggies or fruit before heading to the event. The all-you-can-eat buffet and hors d'oeuvres won’t look quite as appetizing once you’ve taken a bit of the edge off your hunger.

Most importantly, keep it simple. Don’t try to be perfect.

Imperfect action and a realistic plan will work much better.