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Surviving a Social Summer – Sticking to Your Goals

Surviving a Social Summer – Sticking to Your Goals

Summer is a favourite time of year for most people; the perfect season for vacations, barbecues, social gatherings and all manner of outdoor activities. For some people, this may feel like an impossible time of year to stick to their nutrition goals, so the tendency can be to “throw the baby out with the bath water” and abandon their goals until the summer is over. Fast forward to Fall, and you find yourself 3 steps behind where you could be. But it doesn’t need to be that way! Here are some ways to navigate through your Summer, and stick to your goals while still enjoying yourself:

  1. Take advantage of the great weather and use any opportunity to get outside and move a little more! Hikes, volleyball, bike rides, leisurely strolls on the seawall – Whether your goal is to lose weight, improve your fitness, or even complete a fitness/sporting event, being more active goes a long way!
  2. Plan ahead – Lunches and dinners out are a big part of the Summer season. Where possible, scope out the menu ahead of time and figure out which are the most nutritious items on the menu so you won’t be surprised or swayed when you get there. Balance your plate with a protein source, vegetables and a carbohydrate. For trips and vacations, keep nutritious snacks on hand: fruits & veggies, beef/turkey jerky, protein powder/bars.
  3. Avoid over-restricting to mitigate over-indulging. Map out your week ahead of time to account for social events – put provisions in place to make room for a couple of dinners/drinks/parties and enjoy them!
  4. Stay hydrated with water, flavored water and diet soda. Limit alc
    oholic drinks and do what you can to reduce drinking your calories.
  5. Hire a coach to keep you accountable and help you navigate through all of your obstacles.

 

Keep in mind Summer is meant to be a fun time of year, but don’t let a few dinners and gatherings derail your progress and get you off track from your goals. You wouldn’t slash the three remaining tires every time you got a flat, it’s always better to put on the spare and get there a little slower than not get there at all!