Welcome to Deliciously, the newsletter for people who love to eat, drink, and travel. Every Thursday, by 3 p.m., you’ll receive the tastiest stories from Africa’s dining tables. Forward to someone!

First things first, Happy New Year, guys. We had a great ride last year and look forward to a better year with you.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, I want to ask: when are you returning to the gym? You were not planning to just roll into the new year without any plans to renew your gym subscription, were you?

In case you were not aware, Santa saw what you did last December. You did not just cheat on your diet with the carbs. It was a full-on debauchery. We know how you stayed up all night shovelling jollof into your stomach and that you swallowed eba after returning from the crossover service. Surely, you have to pay for these sins.

We know that it’s going to be a struggle returning to your fitness goals this month, and this has nothing to do with the rising cost of subscription fees *Side-eyes iFitness*. After all, we are human beings, too, and we know how hard it is to bounce back from eating pounded yam for dinner to cutting your carbs. So we have highlighted five tips for you to follow as you genuinely repent from your sins and resume your fitness journey:

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Set Realistic Short-Term Goals:

Start by setting achievable short-term goals that align with your overall fitness objectives. These goals should be specific, measurable, and realistic. For example, aim to exercise for 30 minutes a day, cut out sugary snacks, or drink more water. Achieving these smaller milestones will boost your confidence and motivate you to stay committed to your long-term goals.

Reassess and Adjust Your Plan:

Take a moment to reflect on your pre-holiday fitness plan. Assess what worked well and identify areas that need adjustment. It might be necessary to modify your workout routine, update your meal plan, or explore new fitness activities to keep things exciting. By adapting your plan to suit your current lifestyle and preferences, you’ll be more likely to stick with it.

Gradual Reintroduction of Healthy Habits:

Rather than making abrupt changes, ease back into your healthy habits. Start by incorporating nutrient-rich foods into your diet and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. This approach is more sustainable and reduces the likelihood of feeling overwhelmed. Remember, it’s the consistency over time that leads to lasting results.

Find an Accountability Partner:

Share your fitness goals with a friend, family member, or workout buddy who can provide support and encouragement. Having an accountability partner can make the journey more enjoyable and help you stay on track. You can work out together, share healthy recipes, and celebrate each other’s successes, creating a positive and motivating environment.

Prioritise Self-Care and Stress Management:

The holiday season can be stressful, and stress often contributes to unhealthy habits. Prioritise self-care by incorporating relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga into your routine. Taking care of your mental well-being will positively impact your physical health and make it easier to adhere to your fitness goals.

Conclusion:

Returning to your fitness goals after the holiday festivities is a journey that requires commitment, self-reflection, and a positive mindset. By setting realistic goals, reassessing your plan, gradually reintroducing healthy habits, finding an accountability partner, and prioritising self-care, you can regain control and make steady progress toward achieving your fitness aspirations in the new year.