How to get back into the mindset

[Lidcivic]

Hi everyone!

I've been on here for a while.
I got into bodybuilding about 3 years ago. I was very strict with my diet and exercise plan for over a year. Then I went to Mexico with my bf, and for some reason ever since I got home (this was a few summer's ago), I stopped working out religiously and stopped watching what I ate.
About this time last year, I started gaining some of the weight back. I had a very stressful desk job and worked 10-11 hours per day, and some weekends.

In the last few weeks, I've gotten back in the gym and started cutting. My motivation is there, however I just can't seem to buckle down and get strict about it again.
When I got into BB'ing last time, I never had cheat meals, I was very happy with my lifestyle. This time around I have lapses where I get fast food, or eat some other junk.

Does anyone have any tips on how to get back in the mindset?

[Emma-Leigh]

In the last few weeks, I've gotten back in the gym and started cutting. My motivation is there, however I just can't seem to buckle down and get strict about it again.
When I got into BB'ing last time, I never had cheat meals, I was very happy with my lifestyle. This time around I have lapses where I get fast food, or eat some other junk.

Does anyone have any tips on how to get back in the mindset?
Do you think that being so strict before your trip away was one of the reasons as to why it all became 'too hard' after you got back and you had other 'stresses' coming into your life (that is - your work)?

You can't be '100%' for 100% of the time. Life can get in the way and you need to be flexible. Also - life should be about enjoyment and you are fooling yourself if you feel you can maintain a strict diet and training program full time.... Yes competitors do it when they diet down for a show - but they only maintain that strictness for a few months and after their competition they relax and allow themselves some freedom.

You don't need to be "on your diet" 100% of the time. You can effectively lose weight and look great with a 'flexible' diet approach. Stick to healthy foods and clean meals for 90% of the time and you can enjoy some freedom for the other 10% of the time without any guilt.

Train hard, have fun and allow yourself to enjoy things - You'll find the passion again. :)