Colette's Blog

Don’t Fall Into the Cold-Weather Cover Up

November 19, 2014

I recently returned from a whirlwind week of travel and noticed my pants were a bit tighter than usual, which I attributed to some missed workouts, a few too many extra carbs and dinners out. Since the weather is cooling off, I was not as worried as I would usually be, since I figured I could just throw on a big sweater to cover those extra pounds, as compared to during the summer months, when we have far fewer clothes to cover up our dietary indiscretions. Then I realized that this is a trap that none of us should fall into, myself included. A few extra pounds here, a couple layers to hide them there, and by January or next year’s swimsuit season, you are back to square one in terms of your weight-loss efforts.

It can be challenging this time of the year to stick with any nutrition and exercise plan. The kids are in school and homework and after-school activities are in full swing. Throw in a full-time job and the upcoming holidays, and it’s no wonder there’s a line at the fast-food drive-thru every night. That just means it’s time to really prove how strong you are. Any plan is easy to stick with if that’s all you have to focus on. But the true test is being able to stick with Atkins through all of life’s other stresses. That’s when it becomes a lifestyle.

My advice to you: Set some goals to help you power through this challenging time of year. Be realistic, even if it means maintaining your current weight loss or phase of Atkins until life gets a little less hectic. Keep planning your meals, and make sure you always have Atkins-friendly snacks on hand. Atkins bars and shakes are always great to stash in an office drawer, your purse, gym bag or briefcase. Try to stay active. That can be as simple as walking your dog every morning, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or helping to coach a child’s sports team.

In addition, continue to use our Atkins Community as inspiration and motivation. Everyone is in the same boat as you are, and usually has some great advice to share. Keep visiting the Forums, and don’t forget to “like” us on the Atkins Facebook page. Finally, if you haven’t already, sign up for our Atkins newsletter. Upcoming issues feature some delicious Atkins-friendly holiday recipes (starting with Halloween treats), as well as a Holiday Survival Guide to help you start planning for a healthy holiday season.

Good luck. I know you can do this. I’m right here with you, as always.

Share and Share Alike

Tell me how you keep up with Atkins even when life is hectic. I’d love to hear! Please share your thoughts with the Atkins Community and also let me know what you’d like to hear about in the future.

More From Colette

12 Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dinner Prep Tips for a Low Carb Holiday Feast

Plus, new recipes for comforting low carb side dishes and dessert. It’s time to talk turkey and all the trimmings. Let’s start with some tips for stress-free Thanksgiving prep, followed by some delicious new recipes for comforting side dishes that will have you giving thanks because they are low in carbs. From creamy spinach gratin

Read More »

On-the-Go: Low Carb Travel Hacks

If you’re hitting the friendly skies or taking a road trip during the busy holiday travel season, sticking with your low carb lifestyle might seem challenging. Still, with the right hacks, you can navigate holiday travels effortlessly without returning home with a few extra pounds. 11 Low Carb Travel Hacks Remember, preparation is key. By

Read More »

Breaking Barriers: Reignite Your Low Carb Weight Loss Journey Beyond the Plateau

11 tips to jumpstart your weight loss. When you think your weight loss is cruising, the scale sometimes plays hard to get. While plateaus are a natural part of any weight-loss journey, they can be frustrating, but they are also opportunities to re-evaluate, adjust and come back even stronger. What Is a Low Carb Weight

Read More »