As we leave summer and approach fall, we hear a lot about “falling back into a routine.”  As I wrote last week, for many of us, fall is a time when kids go back to school, our schedules become a little more predictable, and we establish routines.  As if it were that easy…..

Getting into, getting back into, or sticking with a routine can be tricky and often involves overcoming certain obstacles, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. We often set ourselves up thinking we have to go all out and all in to see change. Vivian (the BodyFit Dietitian) and I often describe ourselves as “Recovering Perfectionists” and will always remind you that all or nothing thinking with nutrition and fitness (or anything, really), just doesn’t work, nor is it sustainable. Here’s three tips that can help you transition into your fitness routine.

Start slow and low. This is a tip I often give Beginner Exercisers when starting a workout program, meaning slow pace and low intensity. But it applies to routine as well. Start slow with one or two days per week of workouts, and start with low pressure on what defines a workout. Set your alarm 10 minutes earlier and do a 10 Minute Workout or 5 Minute Workout. Take a walk on your lunch break. Pack one lunch a week instead of eating out. Start with 1-2 days week and work your way up. Easing your way in can feel less overwhelming and attainable.

Celebrate the wins! So often we get focused on what we didn’t do, we forget about what we did do! Reframe your thinking and your language: instead of “I only got one workout in a week” try “I got one workout in this week!” Instead of “I have to exercise today.” It’s “I get to exercise today.”  Instead of “I ate so much junk food this weekend” remember “I had a great time with friends this weekend.” It’s all about perspective.

Give yourself grace.  You hear me say it all the time: Be where you are today and remember, if you showed up today, you are successful. You haven’t “failed” by missing a day (or a week), or didn’t follow the program perfectly, and there’s no reason you’ve “ruined the whole day” if you eat something less nutritious you hadn’t planned on.  Let’s get rid of the guilt and the shame—-Guess what? That never works either—and focus on keeping moving forward.

Putting healthy fitness and nutrition routines in place isn’t just for a season – it’s for a lifetime. So be patient with yourself, enjoy the journey, and always be ok to be where you are today.