Setbacks will happen, no matter how hard you try to avoid them. Life happens, and setbacks are an inevitable part of the weight loss journey. From birthdays and holidays to work stress and social pressure, temptations are everywhere. You can't control what happens around you, but you can control how you choose to respond to triggers. Your reaction can make all the difference between success and failure.
My winning strategy to avoid letting setbacks steer you off course is simple yet effective: plan ahead. By identifying your triggers, you can create coping skills to prevent challenging life events from turning into stumbling blocks. When you are proactive and take simple steps to prevent a "crash", you will end up being successful and enjoy long-term results.
Here are five of the practical coping skills I teach my clients:
Check out the menu beforehand to pick a healthy option at the restaurant.
Remove temptations by keeping unhealthy foods out of sight. Your environment needs to be supportive, not a battlefield!
Bring a healthy dish to parties and events to ensure there's a nutritious option available and that you are not "hangry".
Manage stress with activities like exercise, meditation, tapping (ask me more about it if you are not familiar), breath work, or calling a friend.
Rebound quickly if you slip up, and don't let one mistake derail your progress. Always make it right with the next bite.
By being mindful of your triggers and having a plan in place, you can overcome setbacks and stay on track towards achieving your weight loss goals.