prepare for success
I cannot say it enough - the key to success is being prepared! But what does that mean, really?
Our best intentions fly out the window when we are ill-prepared, so doing your homework is key to staying on track. Whatever your fitness goals, a little effort goes a long way, as long as it is well timed and considered...
Pack your lunch. I often get up before dawn for work, so spending lots of time in the kitchen in the morning packing a lunch is not as fun spending a few extra minutes in bed. When every minute counts in the morning, I pack my lunch the night before, allowing me to just wake up and go. Packing enough food is key, too; bring enough for the main meals and snacks, and bring a little extra just in case. You never know when a coworker might need an apple, or you get stuck working late. If you have delicious foods waiting in your lunchbag, you are MUCH less likely to hit the vending machines...
Schedule your workouts, and have a "Plan B" handy. Just like you'd write down other important appointments, include your exercise plans on your weekly calendar. This is a promise to yourself that you will show up, even when you'd rather not. Be sure to include a plan B for those days when you overslept, got held over at work, or had to drive the soccer carpool unexpectedly. Example: Monday jog 6-7am (or p.m. exercise video after the kids go to bed).
Scope out menus, and snack before you dine. When we are starving, we often make terrible food choices, so if you know you are going to eat at a restaurant this evening, take a minute to check out the menu online beforehand if possible. Do they have any lighter dishes featured? What vegetables come with other entrees that you might be able to add to yours? If you go there already knowing what healthy option you'll be choosing, it takes the last-minute guesswork out of ordering, and allows you to take as much time as you need to weigh your options privately. Will you be dining later than usual? If so, have an apple on your way there to ease your hunger pains and prevent you from ditching your plans in a moment of ravenous insanity. ;)
It's not about spending more time, just having creative time management, and the rewards are endless!
Stumped on how you can apply these to your life? Send an email to emily [at] southbayfitcamp [dot] com for a little troubleshooting session...