Don't Sacrifice Your Health Goals on the Weekends

By Donna Stark

The weekend is a time to relax, to have fun, and for many people, to cheat. No, not on their significant other, but rather on their diet, their fitness plan, and their lifestyle of healthy behaviors. For the most part, many of us work and sweat extremely hard during the week to maintain some sense of control over our health, yet when the weekend rolls around, all bets are off. It's as if we plan for our cheating to commence at that time, and then, inevitably, Monday comes sooner than we wish and we wonder, "What on Earth was I thinking?"

Does this sound like you? Are your weekends the complete opposite of everything you stand for during the week? Do you wish there was a way to strike a balance?

Weekends Are Not Meant to Erase Everything

For many health-conscious people, the weekends present a challenge. On one hand, you want your weekend to be filled with joy, relaxation, and fun; but on the other hand, you don't want it to minimize or erase all of the effort and commitment you put forth during the week in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The key is to find a balance, and here are some tips on how to do so.

• Be (somewhat) consistent - Cheating on your fitness routine over the weekend can make it extremely hard to get back to your normal workout on Monday morning, so try to remain consistent. It's perfectly fine if you need to make some modifications, such as exercising at home or for less time, but the key here is to just do some of what you normally do.
• Plan ahead - When you know you're going out to eat with friends, loved ones, or your child's entire soccer team after the game, check out the restaurant's menu in advance. That way, you can take the time to make an informed decision about what the best meal would be and you will be less likely to make any rash decisions.  
• Share meals or desserts - And speaking of eating out, if you find yourself wanting to try it all, share! Share the appetizer or meal and most definitely, share a dessert. You can certainly enjoy indulgences without eating everything on the menu. A few bites are usually all it takes to savor the course without overdoing it.
• Suggest healthier, alternative options - Think outside of the box when meeting up with your friends and instead of always heading to restaurants and bars to hang out at, suggest something out of the ordinary. Do something active, find a place to volunteer at, or head to a local sporting event.

You Can Survive the Weekend

Surviving the weekend without squandering away everything you have worked for during the week is possible with a little planning, effort, and commitment. Yes, you can still have fun and enjoy some indulgences without sacrificing your health and fitness goals, you just need to be responsible when doing so.   

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Temecula, Calif.