Are there seasons in your life when special occasions seem more frequent – perhaps clustered together even? Think parties, showers, graduations, reunions, cookouts and weddings. Times when double-scoop ice cream cones and bubbly drinks seem more appealing? For most people, the Spring and Summer pose many opportunities for splurges – sometimes too many. If we splurge at each of those special occasions, then we may find our jeans as tight as our schedules. More spills out of the swimsuit that fit when it was purchased as the warm spring sunshine first came out.
“She just stays skinny,” or “he’s always had abs” are sometimes things people say when they assume it’s “natural” (without intentional healthy choices required), but natural leanness in adults is more rare than people eating salad without dressing. Ask one of the most successful people you know “how they do it.” There will most likely be a method to their successful madness. Similarly, it is unlikely you’ll meet someone who consistently stays at his or her Best Body year-round without a plan or strategy, wether nutrition or fitness related, or both.
As a spontaneous person by nature, admittedly, sometimes I wish strategy wasn’t involved, especially in the Springtime and Summer. With the Masters Golf Tournament here in Augusta over our recent Spring Break, there was such a festive buzz in the air and a “special occasion” at every turn. And as the school year draws to a close and the season of vacations begins, celebrations abound.
So, what should you do if you are so fortunate to have a cluster of months rich with merriment? I suggest a few basics to keep you out of trouble. First, if there is going to be potentially more fork to mouth action than is typical, than there needs to be more action in general: move whenever you can (in addition to your planned workouts that is). Second, set a goal for the week with a strategy specific to home/work, and one specific to the celebratory outings. I suggest allowing up to 3 strategic splurges over a holiday week or vacation week, for example, regardless of how many party invitations are on your refrigerator. Now, the question is, how do you define a “splurge?”
When I splurge, it’s not going to be on chips and dip like it may be for some, it’s going to be on something sweet and crunchy. For others it’s a bubbly beverage or a creamy pasta dish. What does a splurge look like for you? This is a question I ask every single client in my one-on-one sessions. An important part of knowing how to be strategic is knowing your weaknesses and tendencies. Like I tell my children about life in general, “Don’t make excuses, instead accept your reality: if you know you always tend to hit left, then aim for right of center.” This applies to hitting the mark with our fitness and nutrition goals, too.
So, as an admitted sweets-lover, what if in the Spring and Summer, or around the Holidays, I find myself with more opportunities for special-occasion-splurges over the week? Well, instead of pouting that I don’t get to partake of the cookies at the work luncheon, first, I have to focus on how blessed I am to have so much that this decision is even one of the worries of my day (really!). Then I have to decide if that cookie will trump this weekend’s cupcake at the Birthday Party that I know is on my calendar. If I just consume my favorites every time they’re offered, I am prioritizing that momentary taste over my Best Body. If it’s not sweets for you, apply that same thinking when a friend stops by with a bottle of wine the day before your anniversary date-night, or invites you to share a creamy appetizer.
We all have choices, and even on your Birthday, every bite and sip has to go somewhere in (or ON) your body…if it can’t be used for fuel because your “tank is full,” it will not simply disappear under the “It-was-my-Birthday” claim file. What it WILL do, however, is give you more to shake during the “Wobble” at that next wedding reception.
So, what will your Spring and Summer strategy be to get or stay lean? Don’t let those celebrations sneak up on you! Keep in mind that once that strategy is in place, your strategic splurge still requires intention and self control. Considering your goals, decide ahead of time how much of that splurge-food or beverage is really worthwhile so you can fully enjoy your celebrations and still be content with yourself afterwards.
Guess what? Today is 52 days from the first day of Summer! The 52-day Countdown to Your Best Body may be just what you need to reach Your Best Body by the start of Summer. If you need support or accountability in adhering to your goals, check out the RESOLVE group on my website. And for locals, if you want to learn more about how to set up a strategy for yourself, don’t miss my seminar at the Evans YMCA in a couple weeks (see the events on my website for details).
