The holiday season is fast approaching, it’s the time of year when we start thinking about getting that perfect beach body! The search begins for the best diet or exercise plan, new regimes are started with good intentions, promises are made to ditch the sugary snacks and go for that early morning run. However, as most of us will know these plans don’t always happen. People often wonder which is the best diet and exercise plan to help them lose weight. The answer is simple…it’s the one you can stick to!

Some of our recent work has found mental toughness can have a positive effect on maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviours and choices. Techniques displayed by mentally tough individuals can be used to help anyone adopt and maintain these changes.

• Don’t be scared!

Mentally tough people view these situations as an opportunity to learn and develop, not as a threat. Take this chance to learn new skills, taste new foods, try new sports, and new make friends

•  Setbacks are inevitable.

One deviation from the plan isn’t the end of the world, it is how you respond that is important. There is no reason why the next day, even the next meal or opportunity to exercise, should suffer. The quicker you get back on track the closer you are to reaching your goal.

• Reflect.

If things don’t go to plan or you make the ‘wrong choice’, take the time to identify how you could have responded differently. Next time you are in a similar situation you will know what to do.

• Be realistic.

Set a realistic goal which is broken down into lots of smaller targets. Monitoring progress will enhance commitment. For example, recording your body weight weekly, even if one week you don’t lose weight you will see you are heading in the right direction.

•  Do what works for you.

Some people are more motivated by exercising with friends, whereas others prefer individual training. Some people find the encouragement offered by friends and support clubs a great help, others prefer to get the information and go it alone. We are all different, choose the way which suits you best.

Even after the summer months whether you are still working towards that beach body, or it is hidden under winter clothes, don’t neglect it. Don’t undo all your hard work, keep up your lifestyle changes and see what a difference it makes.

Good luck!