I recently returned from a whirlwind week of travel and noticed my pants were a bit tighter than usual, which I attributed to some missed workouts, a few too many extra carbs and dinners out. Since the weather is cooling off, I was not as worried as I would usually be, since I figured I could just throw on a big sweater to cover those extra pounds, as compared to during the summer months, when we have far fewer clothes to cover up our dietary indiscretions. Then I realized that this is a trap that none of us should fall into, myself included. A few extra pounds here, a couple layers to hide them there, and by January or next year’s swimsuit season, you are back to square one in terms of your weight-loss efforts.
It can be challenging this time of the year to stick with any nutrition and exercise plan. The kids are in school and homework and after-school activities are in full swing. Throw in a full-time job and the upcoming holidays, and it’s no wonder there’s a line at the fast-food drive-thru every night. That just means it’s time to really prove how strong you are. Any plan is easy to stick with if that’s all you have to focus on. But the true test is being able to stick with Atkins through all of life’s other stresses. That’s when it becomes a lifestyle.
My advice to you: Set some goals to help you power through this challenging time of year. Be realistic, even if it means maintaining your current weight loss or phase of Atkins until life gets a little less hectic. Keep planning your meals, and make sure you always have Atkins-friendly snacks on hand. Atkins bars and shakes are always great to stash in an office drawer, your purse, gym bag or briefcase. Try to stay active. That can be as simple as walking your dog every morning, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or helping to coach a child’s sports team.
In addition, continue to use our Atkins Community as inspiration and motivation. Everyone is in the same boat as you are, and usually has some great advice to share. Keep visiting the Forums, and don’t forget to “like” us on the Atkins Facebook page. Finally, if you haven’t already, sign up for our Atkins newsletter. Upcoming issues feature some delicious Atkins-friendly holiday recipes (starting with Halloween treats), as well as a Holiday Survival Guide to help you start planning for a healthy holiday season.
Good luck. I know you can do this. I’m right here with you, as always.
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Tell me how you keep up with Atkins even when life is hectic. I’d love to hear! Please share your thoughts with the Atkins Community and also let me know what you’d like to hear about in the future.
