Once you get fit, it’s tough to go back. Falling off the fitness wagon is as much an emotional experience as a physical one; it’s easy to feel defeated, discouraged, or even embarrassed. We think, How could I have let this happen?

Thankfully, though, getting a little – or even a lot – out of shape is not a hole we’re incapable of digging ourselves out of. If you were fit before, you know what you like & dislike, and are in tune with what works for your preferences, schedule & lifestyle.

The bottom line: it sucks, but it’s fixable. A little planning, time, and consistent effort can melt away any of our food/exercise transgressions. Injuries, life, and personal issues happen to everyone. All we can do is the best we can 🙂

Personally, I’ve put on a little post-breakup & injury weight after I broke my toe last winter. I really miss the fitness level and muscle tone I worked so hard to build. For the past month or so, I’ve been frustrated and depressed as the little bit of weight I’ve gained held me back from going after my goals. I felt betrayed by my own body; how could it let me fall so far, so fast?!

This week, though, I’m finally getting back into my groove. To jump-start my new program, I’m doing a three-week cleanse of clean eating coupled with HIIT training and body weight workouts.

I love to lift weights, but HIIT and bodyweight work – things like squats, lunges, box jumps, planks, and burpees – do wonders to melt away fat quickly.

For my nutrition, I’m doing three weeks of eating clean, whole, beautiful foods. No sugar, dairy, gluten, or processed junk. Instead, I’ll be eating a mix of plant-based protein, carbs, and fats every three hours. I’m allowed to have tea and coffee (yay!) and encouraged to guzzle lemon water all day long.

I’ll be following up with some pics & tips after I suffer make it through the first few days! What do you guys do to stay motivated when you’re getting back on the wagon?