You meant to just grab a cup of coffee on your way to work this morning, but that muffin looked so good. When you give into a craving, you might be tempted to toss the entire day's eating plan out the window, but don't throw in the towel just yet. You have plenty of opportunities to get back on track - it's not too late to make today a success.

So you pushed snooze one too many times this morning and had to skip your workout. While you probably feel like kicking yourself, remember that everything doesn't depend on this one workout. Tomorrow is another chance to reach your goal. And when you look back in a few months and see how far you've come, you're not even going to remember that one time you didn't make it to the gym. We promise.

We've talked to thousands of women about their weight loss journeys, and 9 times out of 10, it wasn't their first (or second, or third...) time around. If you tried eating clean and just couldn't stick with it, or if that new gym routine really doesn't fit with your busy schedule, don't sweat it. You can always try again - this time might be when things really click.

You've been following your workout routine for weeks when suddenly, you throw your back out (again). Unfortunately, injuries are just part of life. But just because you might not be able to work out for a few days doesn't mean you need to turn into a couch potato. Go for an easy walk, and then take the time you would have spent at the gym to cook yourself a nutritious meal. A healthy lifestyle is made up of a bunch of little things, so don't give up when one area hits a roadblock.

So you planned on squeezing in a workout during lunch, but you just got handed a major assignment and won't be able to leave your desk. Yes, it's frustrating, but there's nothing you can do about life's little surprises. Instead of worrying about the things you can't change, focus on what you can. Maybe that means getting up 30 minutes earlier tomorrow morning to hit the gym, or making do with a 10-minute walk. Don’t let one little hurdle stand in your way.

You stuck with your healthy eating plan all day - that is, until you came home after work and couldn't help but inhale a block of cheese while you made dinner. Instead of beating yourself up, look at this as a chance for improvement: Now that you know when you're most likely to give in to cravings, be prepared. Bring a healthy snack for the drive home, so you don't hit the house starving.

So you've decided to try your hand at the Paleo diet - but a few days in, you realise that there's just no way you can give up milk in your coffee. Instead of scrapping the entire plan, look at the big picture: If that one tiny concession will help make the rest of the diet work for you, then go for it! Figure out what works best for you and your body, and then stick with it.

© Prevention Australia
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