We’re a bit more likely to loosen the reins a little over the summer, so now’s the perfect time to assess yourself and how you’re doing with your plan. As you take stock of the big picture, think about ideas for a quickie check-in every day: How did I do on my goal? Any non-scale victories to celebrate? Were there moments I’ll learn from?
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned member, taking stock of your day can help you identify which actions helped, and which hindered, your weight loss and healthy living efforts. It can also help keep you in touch with all the positive changes you’ve been making—which can be key if you’ve been on plan for a while and you need some motivation mojo. If a daily review feels like another tedious item to check off your daily to-do list, take heart. Just a few minutes is all you need. Think of it as something you’re doing for yourself, rather than a duty to work, family, or community.
Awareness leads to action! Here’s what those five minutes can help you do: make mid-course corrections, be more prepared for challenges, use slip-ups as a tool for learning (not for beating yourself up), and most important, set yourself up for the next day. Simply ask yourself what worked, what could have gone better, and what tweaks you can make to help you move forward.
Here’s how to make your five-minute checkup a reality:
* *Set a regular time and place for your checkup.* It could be during your train ride home from work or just before you hit the sack. Where or when isn’t important. What matters is consistency and focus. If you link your five-minute checkup to something you do regularly—like brushing your teeth—it can become a habit more easily.
* *Mentally walk through your day.* Consider any and all aspects of your plan. Some days you may focus more on the what, when and why of your food choices. Or on how active you were during the day. Were there missed opportunities to move a little more? How did tracking go? Did you face any food or emotional triggers? How did you respond? Did you connect with someone who supports your goals?
* *Plan your focus for the next 24 hours.* Think about or jot down 1 or two areas you’d like to focus on in how you follow the Plan. Then include one small, simple action you can do to help get you there. Remember, it’s about progress — not perfection.
Spiral sensations!
Can’t get enough of the “noodle” effect of spiralizing vegetables, try this Spaghetti Squash with Fresh Tomato-Basil Sauce, or our Grecian Spaghetti Squash Saute, or even this gorgeous Spaghetti Squash Primavera.