Staying Healthy on the Weekends
Welcome back to BETTER, an email series dedicated to overcoming common problems that keep us from progressing toward our goals.
Today's edition will focus on making better choices on the weekends.
Read on:
Stick to the "One Indulgence" Rule. We all want to enjoy our weekends; however, if we leave our impulses around food unchecked from Friday to Sunday, we set ourselves up for a rough reentry come Monday. Instead, pick one indulgence per day and enjoy it fully. Following this line of thinking will ensure you're not missing out and also not turning your weekend into a calorie-free-for-all.
Plan Wins Each Night Feeling productive on the weekends is fantastic. Write down three healthy action items you must complete each day. Some examples include meal prep on Sunday, getting 20 minutes of outside time on Saturday, stretching or using a foam roller at night, getting to bed at your regular time, eating at least three servings of fruit or veggies daily, or drinking enough water.
Have a healthy and fun dinner. Instead of going out and subjecting yourself to the extra calories that come with restaurant food, head to the grocery store on Friday and get a protein you don't usually have, like a salmon fillet, sirloin steak, or pork tenderloin. Pair it with grilled, baked, or air-fried veggies, like brussel sprouts or bell peppers, so they have a crispy, charred flavor. Add a quality carb like a sweet potato or butternut squash, and you have a unique meal that tastes great, offers a fantastic amount of nutrition, and is in line with your goals!
Get Moving Early and Often Staying active throughout the weekend will keep your energy high and make you feel great on Monday. Get out for a bike ride or walk. Do a bunch of yard work, or tackle a project that has you moving consistently throughout the day.
Don't "Save Up" Calories for the Evening. Starving yourself all day to go big at dinner sounds brilliant in theory, but it usually backfires. Instead, eat balanced meals during the day, and you'll likely be less tempted to go overboard later.
Minor tweaks can turn your weekend into a time of relaxation and progress. Start by choosing one or two tips and see how much better you feel by Monday.