Many a diet has been ruined on a weekend. Our weekends are usually less structured than a week day. We have more free time (to sit in front of the TV with a bag of chips) and more temptations (in the form of Aunt Betty's famous chocolate chip cookies).
But with a little planning, it's easy to stick to your diet throughout the weekend. Check out the tips below.
10 Tips for a Healthy Weekend
1. Get outside and get moving. The weekend is the perfect time to go outside and do something fun. Make a date with your friends and family to go to the beach, hike through the woods, or play a game of kickball.
2. Try a new recipe. Take some time to dust off those old cookbooks and pick out a recipe that you've always wanted to try but never had the time to make. You might find a new favorite healthy dish!
3. Keep your water bottle with you. Studies show that we should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. This includes the weekend! if you always have your water bottle handy, then you'll be less likely to purchase a sugary soda when you are out and about.
4. Watch your alcohol. The calories in alcoholic beverages can add up pretty quickly...especially if you're the type of person who likes fruity mixed drinks. If you must drink alcohol, try to stick with either a red wine or a clear liquor mixed with non-caloric beverages (club soda, water, diet cola).
5. Read a healthy article or book. By reading articles or books about healthy living on the weekend, healthy thoughts will be at the forefront of your mind and you'll be less likely to make bad choices.
6. Park far away. If you're going out shopping, park as far away from the store as you can. This will help you to get a bit more exercise in.
7. Plan for a treat. Going to a birthday party and want some cake? Having pizza and movie night with your sweetie? If you make lower calorie food choices during the rest of the day, then these types of treats won't completely sabotage your diet.
8. Keep your mind and hands busy. Many of us reach for food when we are bored or watching TV. If you take up a hobby which uses your hands, you'll be less likely to fill your hands with snacks.
9. Double your exercise time. Since we tend to have more free time on weekend, super-charge your workout by doubling your usual time. You'll burn more calories which will help counter any less than healthy choices you make.
10. Set goals for the week. It's always a good idea to spend some time on the weekend planning and setting your goals for the week ahead. If you have set some healthy goals for the week, then you won't want to ruin them during the weekend.
By following these tips, you'll be more likely to stick to your healthy habits and achieve the success that you are looking for.
About the Author
Shannon Tani is a former fattie, who weighed over 220lbs. She has currently lost over 70lbs. One day she realized that people would rather hear dieting advice from someone who's "been there, done that" than a boring old doctor who's never been fat a day in his life. So she started the website Better Off Fat to share her experiences and ideas.
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