Change of Routine - Avoiding the half term holiday weight gain

Hurrah - you’ve made it to October half term! Time to unwind, have a few days out and maybe indulge in a few food treats? As regular readers will know, I’m all about balance. But I’ve got to be honest, this change of routine can actually signal the start of an eating slippery slope ...

I’ve found this time of year can really trip up some of my clients ..  and me! Although half term doesn’t involve kids for me, darker mornings and colder days still have me thinking about the carb comfort foods of frothy cappucinos, heavier meals and salted peanuts. 

At the moment I am trying really hard to stay away from those tempting hot milky drinks - flat white’s are my favourite - because it tends to trigger some bad eating habits which I know could quite easily spiral out of control. Instead I stick to my turmeric latte recipe which is super warming and satisfying but doesn’t trigger me.

One couple I worked with found school holidays really broke their routine. They could manage really well with their eating during school days, because there was a structure, but holidays really knocked them about.  

Why Can a Change of Routine Wreck Good Eating?

To be honest, it’s hard to say exactly what actually causes that change. It could be we kind of go into holiday mode and it’s like ‘oh well, let’s just let it rip’. 

You might be out and about with the kids so there's more opportunity to stop and consume more food. 

There’s plenty of chances to stop and have a frothy coffee, maybe with a cake, or you’ll meet up with friends for lunch when you wouldn’t normally have time. 

When you think about it, much of our free time activities revolve around food and/or drink. What a minefield for the midlifer trying to stay on track! 

We tend to equate holidays with poor eating, with ‘treats’, and it doesn’t even cross our minds that some of those treats could be healthier options. We just think ‘ok, I can have the cake, I can have the chocolate, I can have alcohol, I can have the meal out.’ 

And then we’ll do it … all at once.

If you’re having trouble keeping going or you need some inspiration/encouragement or tips, why not join our online community of midlifers here and we can all help each other?

How Do I Stop That Change of Routine becoming a Slippery Slope?

But what are the options? When you’re at the top of that slippery slope you either give into it, or you stick to your plan rigidly and then you feel like you’re missing out ... and then you’ll  probably have a major rebound at some point. 

I do get it!

Saying you’ll take snacks with you on a day out is just not as exciting on a chilly autumn day as having a hot chocolate and a piece of cake in a cosy coffee shop. And I’m not saying you shouldn’t have the hot chocolate and cake if you want to. 

But it’s worth pausing and reminding yourself that at some point you made a decision to eat and drink more healthily and that actually you’re working towards that. 

Hold onto the fact that actually you are making progress and cut yourself a little slack #progressnotperfection

For example, at the moment I’m struggling to get all my exercise in and do all my Midlife work in the morning and come to work and handle my other daytime job. So I’ve done pilates at home every day this week instead of going to the gym and doing circuits and running, because it takes up less time. 

The point is - at least I have done some exercise. I’ve scaled it back rather than completely given up.

Cut Yourself Some Slack

I’m all for progress, not perfection. So here’s some simple tips that might help avoid a complete crash and burn this half term or, indeed, at any time when your routine changes.

#1 Have Treats … just not EVERY day at EVERY meal. 

The cumulative effect of going off track every single day rather than allowing the odd treat here and there can make it really difficult to stay in control of your eating. 

#2 Keep control of home habits. Try to stick to a regular healthy breakfast at home in the environment you CAN control. 

And try to plan some meals ahead that you know are easy to put together and family favourites that will stop you from reaching for the takeaway menu.

#3 Take Some Snacks. Even just taking a bottle of water and some small snacks (nuts, fruit) when you go out for the day can stop you feeling desperately hungry and going menu mad at the pub.

So, I guess what I’m saying is to keep hold of the things you can and don’t worry about some of the things that slip. What’s important is that you don’t go head long down the slippery slope and never come back again! 

And if you’re having trouble keeping going or you need some inspiration/encouragement or tips, why not join our online community of midlifers here and we can all help each other?

Content Disclaimer

The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this blog are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this blog. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this blog. Midlife Menu Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this blog.

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