Weekend tips to help you stay on track but still have fun!!

Woohoo!! It’s time for another weekend! You are not going to erase all the hard work you put in this week right?

It's okay to relax a bit of course, but too many people loosen up just a little too much, only to feel bad on Monday and have to start all over again.  I've done it too!

Here are some tips to help us stay on track.

1. Set your alarm. Just because it’s the weekend doesn’t mean you need to sleep in really late. Sleep in a bit of course if you want to.  If you really want to make the most of your day, start your day off bright and early. Get your workout out of the way and enjoy the rest of your day!  This is why I love teaching Insanity at 7:30am on Saturday mornings.  No, I don't always want to get up and go, my warm, cozy bed wants me to stay there.  But I'm always glad I did it.  Helps me keep on track Friday night and get to bed at a decent time and makes sure I get up and out and get my workout in on Saturday morning too! 

2. Plan one activity that requires you to be on your feet. Kids sporting events, walks with the family or friends, fun runs, festivals, shopping, arts and crafts booths, etc.

3. Eat before you go out. If you want to keep on track, plan ahead. You can even do this before going out to dinner, or going to a party, so you can just nibble a little once you get there instead of being too tempted to overeat.  Have a small protein shake before you head to a party where there will be plenty of cute little appetizers that seem so innocent until you've eaten 12 pigs in a blanket.

4. Limit or avoid alcohol. This is a hard one for me.  I like to have a glass of wine or two when I'm out.  However, it's way too easy to blow a lot of calories on excessive drinking over the weekend. If you like to have a drink when socializing, trade it for a non-alcoholic beverage – or drink one water for every glass of alcohol to cut calories. Stick to lower calorie cocktails too. Instead of a martini like a lemon drop or cosmo which has a ton of calories and sugar, drink a flavored vodka with soda or water and muddled fruit. Still lots of flavor, but you lessen the sugar and calorie damage. Truth is, it wouldn’t kill you to completely go without, but if you are going to have one, keep it simple.

5. Beef up your cardio. If you know you’re going to a party or eating out, make room for the extra calories by getting some extra cardio in. Most people typically have more time over the weekend to exercise, but they are less likely to actually make the time. Fight being lazy and convincing yourself that "you've earned it" from all the hard work you put in over the week.  Going out to eat?  Check out this blog post for some extra tips on how to do your best there too!

Working out is not work, it’s a luxury, and it makes you feel better – and THAT’s something you deserve!