At times it doesn’t take much to lure us off our path of healthy eating. Maybe a stressful or busy week at work, a vacation, or a big holiday… But those things are over now and all of the excuses are out the window. It’s time to get back on track. But after all of that indulgence, a healthy meal could be the last thing you want, and what’s one more day of indulgence?

Start Immediately

You can get back to healthy eating immediately on the night of, but even if days or weeks have gone by, you can get back on track any time of the day. As soon as you’ve decided that you’re ready to get back on track, go for a walk. It could be a walk around the park, taking the long route to get your mail or a long jog; all that matters is that you get up and move. Make sure you drink plenty of water and get 8 hours of sleep that night.

Have Compassion for Yourself

It’s important to have compassion for yourself and forgive yourself for making not-the-best choices. “Pobody’s Nerfect,” as the saying goes, and it’s natural to occasionally indulge for a special occasion. If you are interested in learning more about self-compassion, check out Kristin Neff’s research and resources on self-compassion.

Ignore the Scale

One of the worst things you can do is check out the damage on the scale, then proceed to berate yourself for your poor choices. If you have self-esteem issues tied to the number on the scale, it’s even more important that you stay away for the time being. Instead, focus on how you feel day after day, from sleep quality to your digestive health… I bet you’ll be amazed at how eating healthier can improve your life in just a few days.

Don’t Try to Offset the Splurge

It can be tempting to try and make up for your over-indulgences by starving yourself the following day, but the best thing you can do for yourself is to make healthy choices, which include eating regularly. Ensure that you get plenty of water, lean protein, healthy fats, and of course fruits & vegetables in your meals and snacks.

Plan Something Fun

It’s too easy to wallow in self-pity or lament your overeating, so make fun plans to look forward to. Call a friend and make plans to do something fun that doesn’t involve food. You can even get in some light exercise by going with your friend to a yoga class, or for a walk on the beach or at the zoo. If you pack your own healthy snacks (and actually stick to them), even a movie can be a fun treat!

Are you struggling with poor eating habits and need the help of a professional to get healthy? Contact Us today and let’s schedule an appointment.