What to Do after a Slip-Up

1. Fogeddabouddit  The first thing you need to do is let it go. There’s nothing you can do now that will make what you did go away, and that’s ok…

You know what we’re talking about. It’s been a few weeks, you’ve been sticking to your healthy diet plan and seen some progress, and then one day your roommate leaves the donut holes out and the next thing you know you’re wiping powdered sugar off of your jeans and feeling very, very guilty.

Don’t sweat it.

First of all, slip-ups happen to us all; and second, one small binge isn’t enough to take you off track; we promise.

All that being said, there are ways to get back on the wagon after falling off. Here are just a few:

1. Fogeddabouddit People collection

The first thing you need to do is let it go. There’s nothing you can do now that will make what you did go away, and that’s okay. Treats every now and then are totally fine. The key is what you do the rest of the time.

2. Look for the gaps and fill them in

We’re creatures of habit. For the most part, we work in the same patterns time and time again. Are there cycles to your falls off the wagon? Or do they tend to be one-off things (like, once every few months)? If it’s the latter, don’t worry about it; if it’s the former, don’t worry about it, you can fix it. Figure out what the gaps are anBeautiful young woman in casual wear touching her head with hand while lying on the floor at homed make sure to fill them. If you tend to binge when you’re sad, try and find a more constructive way to deal with your emotions; if it’s when you haven’t slept enough, then prioritise rest; and if it’s always down to not having what you know you need on hand, start planning ahead.

3. Don’t be afraid to adjust your goals Woman taking some of her boyfriend's salad on lunch at a restaurant.

If your diet or health plan is too restrictive, add a little built-in wiggle room. If you’re only “supposed” to eat three meals a day but in reality you need five or six, adjust them and make them slightly smaller; if it says you’re only allowed one cheat meal a week and that’s too unrealistic for you, up it to two or three; and if it says you’re not allowed any of one specific food and you can’t really commit to that, then allow yourself a little, but keep it moderate. The guidelines are supposed to help you, so if they aren’t, move them accordingly.

4. Focus on one thing at a time 43 year old woman jogging in alley autumn fog exercising series with white jacket full body portrait front shot with shallow focus depth and blurred background

Sometimes it’s the sheer enormity of a task that has us giving up before we’ve started. Maybe, instead of cutting alcohol, cutting carbs, and cutting dairy all in one go, you start with just one for a month and see how you go. Don’t set yourself up for an impossible start.

5. Check your stress levels serenity and yoga practicing at Twin Lakes,Philippines

We all know stress is bad for our mental and emotional health, but did you know it affects your diet too? Intense and long-term stress can lead to increased desire to eat and more sugar and fat cravings. Reducing the stress you face on a day-to-day basis will put you in a better place to make healthier choices, and help any unhealthy cravings to dissipate.

All of the content and media on Lifesum is created and published for information purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Users should always consult with a doctor or other health care professional for medical advice. If you have or think you are at risk of developing an eating disorder, do not use the Lifesum app and seek immediate medical help.