I explain it to clients this way. I doubt you wake up every morning, and say to yourself, “I can’t wait to get in there and brush my teeth, because I’ve been looking forward to it all night long.”  No, of course not. The reason you get in there to brush your teeth is that the alternative is much more painful. View your exercise and diet program the same way… as just part of your daily routine.

Don’t give up and binge just because you’re not motivated at any particular moment. If you don’t feel like eating clean, or going to the gym one day … don’t. You’re not going to destroy your whole program, just because you take a day off. Also, don’t beat yourself up just because you fall off the wagon, and eat poorly one day. Think of it this way … you can do no more harm to your diet by eating bad one day, than you can add benefit to your diet by eating good just one day. Another reason some people get frustrated when trying to stay healthy and get fit, is they don’t know how to put their exercise and nutrition programs together.

Get help from a professional trainer and nutritionist. They can not only help keep you motivated, but can guide you through all the nuances of diet and exercise programs.  Fitness or nutrition question?  Email me at dwcrocker77@gmail.com, or visit fitness4yourlife.org.

David Crocker of Landrum has been a nutritionist and master personal trainer for 26 years. He served as strength director of the Spartanburg Y.M.C.A., head strength coach for the S.C. state champion girls gymnastic team, USC-Spartanburg baseball team, Converse college equestrian team, lead trainer to L.H. Fields modeling agency.

He served as a water safety consultant to the United States Marine Corps and taught four semesters at USC-Union. Crocker was also a regular guest of the Pam Stone radio show.