If you are like me, the weekends are a time for relaxation, fun, socializing and winding down from the week’s events. Sometimes, that means taking the word splurge to the extremes. That’s what weekends are for – right?!
But for those trying to make changes in their lifestyle, loosening our grips even just for the weekend, can sabotage our efforts to reach health and fitness goals. Recent studies indicate that we tend to take in more calories on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The exact number varies from an average of 85 calories per weekend day to 115, and while that may not seem like much, it adds up. Besides, you’ve worked so hard all week – so why ruin it now?
You may think, "So I eat a little more on Saturday night, I’ll exercise that off on Sunday." Sunday arrives, yet you find excuses not to exercise. See a few common excuses – and ways to overcome them:
- Church starts at 9 a.m.? Then get up at 7 a.m. and walk a few miles. You get up early to work out on weekdays, why not now?
- Not a morning exerciser and your favorite show starts at 6:00 pm? Tape or TiVo it and hit the gym.
- You have household chores and yard work to do? Good news – the experts deem yard work and household chores real exercise.
- Do you just not feel like working out because, after all, weekends are for relaxing? Just a few minutes of exercise are better than none. Keeping up with your exercise routine will help you reach your fitness goals that much faster, and once you get into the groove of working out, you won’t want to miss it!
You may be thinking that fitness may not be your downfall – more so the dinners out, stopping by the mall food court, and get-togethers with friends. Keep your eye on the prize: a healthier you. Be conscious of what you eat during the weekends, stick to your healthy lifestyle of eating right and exercising just like you do during the week. If you need to reward yourself for the hard work (or the diligence you’ve kept to your diet) through the week, see a movie or get a massage. Don’t reward yourself with a cheesy fries appetizer or order an extra margarita – the study mentioned above shows that the additional weekend calories come from fat and alcohol.
Instead, try a new fitness activity – like yesterday’s SUP - or make a fun fitness date. Just remember that you are entitled to kick back, relax and have fun!
Do you treat your weekends as 'free days' or are you able to stay on track? What are some of your weekend healthy lifestyle tips?
Source: Sparkpeople.com
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