Review your goals and values
Take a look at the SMART goals you set for yourself – if you haven’t done these already, look at the Goal setting pages and any notes you have made. Remember why you started this journey. It may have been looking and feeling better in yourself, improving your self-esteem, having a healthier lifestyle, or making life easier. Feeling that you are in control and are able to do this can be very empowering.
Do your SMART goals still feel relevant and realistic? If they do, keep going!
If your goals feel too far out of reach, you can make some changes. For example, if you are struggling with the new meals, try changing to meals you love but in smaller portions or with healthier ingredients. Socialising around food may be important for you. If it is, rather than stopping, try looking at the menu before going out to eat and planning ahead to help you stick to your goals.
Ask yourself what’s getting in the way
It’s normal to face bumps in the road when things don’t go to plan with your lifestyle changes. Try spending time reflecting rather than giving up or being hard on yourself.
If you use a food or activity diary for self-monitoring, you can use it to help identify what’s getting in your way. Below are suggestions that you might find helpful for common barriers when making lifestyle changes.
‘I’m struggling to stick to a routine’
Giving your routine structure can help you fit everything into your week without feeling overwhelmed. Allocating regular days to activities may help you settle into a steady routine.
‘I eat for comfort, boredom and when stressed’
Understanding the link between food and your emotions is important. Recognising when and why you choose less healthy options will help you to identify patterns or triggers and how to avoid them in the future.
‘I find it hard to say no to food’
Family and peer pressure can be difficult to overcome. Sharing your reasons for your lifestyle change may help people close to you understand and support you.
Be kind to yourself
Remember that the changes you’re making should stick with you for life, so they should be realistic and enjoyable for you to complete. That way, you’re more likely to want to continue with your healthy lifestyle choices even when you’ve reached your goal.
Remind yourself of the benefits - how they may improve your self-esteem and make you feel more like you.
Continue your journey
Click on the next page Self-monitoring to continue your journey.
