FITSPIRATION #4

People seem to enjoy these fitspiration posts so I'll keep them coming! Remember to check out my fitspo tumblr here for more regular motivation ;)

This post is going to be all about set-backs and how to overcome them.I'll give a few examples you might encounter and my advice on how to get past them, so whether you're trying to lose weight, or like me, you're trying to simply live a healthy lifestyle, you can overcome those set-backs!

Had one too many 'cheat' meals/ snacks?
Most people are guilty of this. It's absolutely, definitely okay to treat yourself every now again. Enjoy a take-away, go out for drinks etc etc. But not every day! Sometimes you'll feel like you've overdone it, but never and I mean never, think 'Oh well, I've eaten bad today, might as well eat badly for the rest of the day.' Um. Why? Get back on track! You'll feel a lot better (and a lot less guilty!) if you do. Just simply get yourself back on track and try not to worry about it. Eating a whole pizza today will not make you fat, eating a whole pizza everyday will.

Not feeling up to it?
Do it anyway. What if it was PE class back at school? You might not want to put on your gym kit and play rounders but you were doing it anyway or you failed that class. LIFE IS GYM CLASS BITCHES. I'm kidding, but seriously, if you just keep at it, it's going to become routine before you know it. Try to see working out and eating well as something you have to do rather than something you choose to do, it won't be long before it becomes second nature and you'll want to do it.

Can't get to/ afford the gym?
So what?! I don't actually go to the gym myself. I have an exercise bike, weights and a yoga mat and I don't need anything else. You can work out with nothing though. Exercise is free, it just depends on which kind. If you can, go for a run, if you don't want to do that, get yourself a cheap skipping rope, do some squats or lunges, run on the spot, dance in your bloody underwear - it doesn't matter. Anything is better than nothing, so look up some at home/ free workouts and get to it!

Cravings!
Eek! It's so easy to give into your cravings, and similar to the cheat meals, it's totally fine to give in sometimes. However, to stop cravings, you must actually practice self control. If you keep giving into your cravings, they won't go away. Next time you crave something a bit naughty, re-think it. Are you actually hungry or is your sweet (or salty?) tooth just bugging you, if you want ice cream and ONLY ice cream, you're not actually hungry, because if you were, you'd settle for fruit or veggies! Think about how you feel after you eat something bad. Is the guilt worth it?
However if you've been eating healthy all week and fancy a glass of wine or two on Saturday night, I think you've probably earned it ;) Just remember, self control! Don't go crazy and you'll be fine!

Skipped a few days work out?
Oopsie! When you've missed a few days or a week or however long of working out, it can be difficult to get back into the swing of things and your usual routine might seem like a total killer! So instead, start again, but slowly. Usually go for a half hour run in the morning? Try 15 minutes. As your body's used to working a lot harder, it will seem easier than you're used to, which will encourage and motivate you more. Then if you feel like it at the end, go on to do that extra 15 minutes. Just don't beat yourself up if you don't, remember, once again - something is better than nothing and you'll get back into your old routine in no time.

Not seeing results?
This can be an absolute killer for people trying to lose weight. While I'm not trying to lose weight, I do want to stay toned and when I first started, it did take a while to see noticeable changes in my body, but that's okay. These things do take time and we have to accept that. If you've been at it for a long time and your progress seems to have slowed down, it's probably time to step up your game. Try adding 10 minutes to your workout. It'll take time, but you will get those hot legs or sexy butt eventually ;) Don't be discouraged!