Tips for Getting Back on Track

Have you fallen off the diet wagon? Well, here's how to get back in shape.

Seeing Is Believing

Definitely do not punish yourself for pigging out. It happens. Instead, visualize yourself at the ideal weight you want to be and start back on that positive track once again. Keeping a diet diary is very helpful. —Kathy

I put a picture of what I want to look like on the wall in front of my computer. Others might like it on the refrigerator. I did too. But my daughter is vegan, and it upset her to see this beautiful woman wearing tight-fitting leathers. —Cindy

I take pictures of myself every month, wearing the same outfit, in the same corner of the house. This way I can evaluate my progress. If I need a jump start, I look at how far I've come.

—iVillager

Do some deep "belly breathing"  yoga or tai chi style — try to focus only on your breath; but if you have to "concentrate" on something, visualize yourself as healthy and curvy (not model-skinny) and see yourself doing an activity you enjoy, or focus on something you've done recently that someone really appreciated you for. —Jackie

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Stock up on healthy food in your kitchen, and make it quick and easy to munch on. You can still have Snackwells or low-fat yogurt and other healthier "cheat foods." The object is not to overeat these items just because you think you can due to their lower fat content. It is calories, calories and calories in the long run that add the extra pounds. —Kathy

Call a friend and make plans to go walking, biking, swimming, etc. Time goes by so much faster with someone else along for the ride. Also make sure to surround yourself with positive, uplifting people who inspire you to get back on track by positive reinforcement, not blame or ridicule. —Kathy

Move On

Rent some great workout videos and get moving. Make sure they are fun and inspiring and not beyond your abilities or you will not feel capable and will lose interest rather quickly. This will only make you want to go pig out. Trust me. It's just like when we are young, we must first take baby steps, and then when we get confident with that level, we can move on. —Kathy

Whenever I am feeling down and I actually get off my butt and go out to exercise, I come home feeling great. Exercise is a great form of stress relief, including emotional stress. —Melanie

Set Rewards for the Upcoming Goal

Go shopping, but instead of buying the outfit you really want, put it off as a reward for your efforts. Set a goal for yourself, and once you have reached it, reward yourself. When you buy it, you will not feel guilty, but instead, you'll know it is well deserved.

—Kathy

Feel Better on Track

What really helped me over the craving of "bad" foods when I was off track was the realization that sugar snacks only made me feel worse -- particularly when the sugar crash kicked in — whereas fruit and veggies and whole grains nourish me and make me feel good physically. —Jackie

Fit Extra Fitness In

Get up just 15 minutes earlier and take a walk around the block while the sun comes up. Just moving my body in the peace and quiet of the morning makes me feel better throughout the day. —iVillager