It can be so tempting to say “screw it” and give up on your goals when life throws you a curve ball. But all that does is reinforce the idea that you can never successfully lose weight.

Check out my 4 best steps to help you lose weight even through life’s ups and downs:

1. Take a deep breath. Remind yourself what you’re in control of, and what’s outside of your control. Ask yourself, “What’s really going on here and why am I feeling this way?” or “If I remove my emotions from the situation, what are the facts of what’s going on?”
2. Take ownership. Decide that YOU are in control of your choices. Not your emotions, not the stress you’re feeling, not your kids, or your job, or your lack of time… YOU have the power over your choices.
3. Choose ONE action that will help lead to weight loss and execute it like a boss. Maybe it’s grabbing a salad on your way home from work instead of ordering pizza. Maybe it’s drinking a glass of water instead of wine. Maybe it’s taking a walk. Whatever you do, do NOT overwhelm yourself more by trying to do something drastic (like only eating celery), or by making 582752 changes at once.
4. Focus on progress, not perfection. You will end up giving up on yourself if you struggle with the “all or nothing” mentality when life gets stressful. Instead, ask yourself “What is the best I can do today (in regards to the action you chose in #3)? Remember that taking one small step towards your goals is ALWAYS better than doing nothing.

Do you have any other strategies that help you stay healthy when life gets crazy?