I can't think of a person I know well that didn't stumble a few times on their journey to "Health & Fitness". Some had only minor setbacks and were soon back on the road making good speed. Others had major setbacks and some went in reverse most of the way back "home" to their starting point. A few overshot that point and went even further from the goal. One of those was ME about 9 years ago. I had worked hard and lost a significant amount of weight then a series of events and my own lack of focus and work ethic saw me make an about face and OVERSHOOT my origin by almost 60 pounds!

Lots of people like to refer to these stumbles as "falling off the wagon". It's certainly no fun falling on our face. The ground is hard when we land and sometimes it takes our breath away for a bit but there is a lesson to be learned. As you lay there in the dirt you get a GREAT view of the "foundation" of that wagon - the mechanical parts that make it go. Riding in the wagon one often doesn't think about the support beams, the wheels and axles, the tongue etc. but they are all essential to make that wagon GO.

When you fall off the wagon into the dirt you get a good look at the foundation of your own "vehicle". It too has many parts that work together moving you closer to the destination.

1) Your Weight - Do you know? When was the last time you were on the scale?

2) Your Nutrition - What did you eat today? Yesterday? Did it include quality foods (lean proteins, high fiber grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy).

3) Are you well watered? Do you track your water intake?

4) Are you toned for the journey? Do you do strength training?

5) Exercise - Do you move your body daily to keep it supple and your heart healthy?

6) Sleep - Do you get quality sleep to let your body "recharge"?

7) Map - Do you have a map to your destination? Everyone needs a plan even if it changes from time to time.

Looking at these basic foundational elements will help you figure out WHY you fell off the wagon and how to get back up there and stay put!

One more thing - The only way to go when you hit the ground is UP.

Press On!