Do your weekend diet, food plan, or efforts toward weight loss fall apart every weekend?  While relaxing from a hard week of work, do you lose “will power” and discipline on your day’s off?

If the answer to my questions is “yes,”  here are some ideas of what you can do to stay on track.

— Think of weekend days as just another day.  It is another day to be loving and kind to yourself.  Just another day to stick with your structured eating plan that makes you feel good, look good and get healthier.

— While relaxing, do things that calm you down other than with food.  A leisurely walk in nature.  Some cuddling time with your spouse, partner or loved one.  A good time to enjoy some physical recreation.

— Take time to pray.  Ask God or your Higher Power for help.

— If it’s food that will really symbolize complete rest and pleasure for you – make it a highly pleasurable and healthy meal:  fresh farm vegetables, delicious ripe summer fruit low fat meats (try poultry or fish – see some recipes of mine here that may inspire you).

— Take a moment to connect with someone:  call a friend you’ve not spoken with for a long time.  Post some things on Beliefnet’s “Community” walls.

—  If it has been along time since you gathered at a house of worship – try returning to church, synagogue or temple.  Put aside any feelings about the religion itself, and focus on the people that all love God that gather there.

I’d love to hear some of your ideas about how to keep the weekend sober, abstinent, and healthy.  Please post a comment below!