Get on track for a fresh start

It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over and we’re back into the routines of work, school and families.

If you’ve truly embraced the holiday spirit and let your fitness and diet regimes slide, then it’s time to get back on track for a fresh start.

All is not lost however, according to our diet, fitness and wellness experts, who say that getting back on the healthy living wagon is as easy as setting a few simple goals and sticking to them.

Perth Natural Medical Clinic’s Naturopath and personal trainer, Melissa Hohaia, says she sees many clients who lose their way over the holiday period.

CLEANSE YOUR LIFE | MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR DAY

“If you have indulged over summer, there’s no point regretting it,” she says.

“Enjoy it while it lasts but pull things back on track as soon as possible.”

“Find a ‘track buddy’ and rally partners, friends or a professional around you who will help you get back on track and focused,” Ms Hohaia says.

She says setting clearly defined, realistic goals is key to getting your fitness back on track at the start of a new calendar year.

“Preparation is key, so it’s a good idea to shop and cook in advance.

“Make double portions and cook and refrigerate to make life easier,” she advises.

“In terms of fitness, make sure your exercise equipment and fitness gear is set up and easily available so there are no excuses.

“Set goals, register for events and plan some active travel all of which will give you something to work towards.”

Goal setting and reviewing how you are going on a regular basis is vital to your success according to professional life coach, Gill Skeer.

Occasional set backs are par for the course according to Ms Skeer and she says it’s important to celebrate your wins along the way.

“Put your previous unsuccessful attempts at achieving your goals behind you, you can’t change the past you can only change the future.”

Personal trainer Shannon MacLachlan says although getting back on the fitness wagon can seem difficult after an extended break, it’s important not to beat yourself up about it and just take one step at a time.

“During holiday periods, even if you can’t train the way you want to, it’s a good idea to try and keep active doing incidental exercise and just keeping active with your kids,” she says.

“A new year is an opportunity to try something different that will challenge you physically and mentally.”

She says it’s a good idea to start slowly with two or three sessions a week and build up and try incorporating things that you love doing in summer into your regular routine.

“I love going to the beach and one of my favourite running sessions involves running up and down the access paths at the beach,” Ms MacLachlan says.

“Get yourself a good heart rate monitor, a Tabata app and invest in really good sound track to motivate you to get going.”

Remede’s Naturopathic Nutritionist, Jan Purser, recommends a post holiday healthy detox diet to get you back on track after a long hot summer.

She says a diet that includes plenty of salads, good quality lean protein, a small amount of fruit and low GI unprocessed starchy carbs will help you achieve your weight and fitness goals for the New Year.

“Be consistent with your eating choices and your exercise,” she says.

“It’s a boring answer but people who manage to do this don’t need to go on strict diet regimes and are the ones who stay focused on what’s happening with their body on a daily basis.”