Irish dance diet - Don't get down when the scale goes up

With the type of lifestyle change that I am pursuing, there are bound to be ups and downs on the scale.  Life is not perfect--it is full of holidays, vacations, desserts and days when you just can't exercise. When the scale goes up, don't despair. Get right back in the saddle and hang on for dear life!

This week I went on vacation.  I did really well with my calorie intake for the first few days and so-so on the last few. I practiced my dances for at least an hour every day and stretched my muscles.

Today I was excited to get back to dance and my son and I rushed to our class as soon as we got home from our vacation. I injured my calf muscle in the first 15 minutes of class, possibly making it so that I can't feis this weekend. Grrr.

It would be easy to give up and say, "that lifestyle change was a good idea, but it's too hard". But I'm not going to. Sure, the scale says I'm up, but I'm not going to let it get me down. I plan to eat healthy, small portions this week and take off the bit of vacation weight I stole. In the meantime, I'm going to follow my own advice for recovering from an injury, re-posted here from an earlier post of mine.

1. Follow all of your doctors instructions. Use all prescribed medications and support products that will help speed recovery. Don't begin dancing until your doctor gives you the go ahead--even if you feel fine. 

2. Use the down time for strength training and mental conditioning.  Stretch uninjured muscles, take a walk (doctor permitting) and research new techniques. Put on some of your favorite practice music and visualize yourself dancing a perfect step. Keep your body and mind sharp and you won't even miss a beat. 

3. Take it slow. When you go back to dance class, listen to your body. If your injury starts to feel painful or strained, lower your intensity level or sit it out and observe the lesson.

If you follow your doctors instructions, use the down time for conditioning, and take it easy coming back to dance, you will be back on your feet in no time.

Week Three

Weight gained=1.6 pound
Total weight loss=1 pounds

What are your experiences with injuries as a dancer?  How do you cope when you hit a rough spot in your lifestyle change? Did it take you long to get back in the jig of things or did you have setbacks?