Dealing With Slips

About This Kit

 At the Heart Institute Prevention and Rehabilitation Centre (HIPRC), you are working hard, learning new skills, establishing new habits, and progressing well toward your health, fitness and weight management goals. But no matter how hard you work and try, you will have difficulties. Something will eventually happen to interrupt your new habits.

• Have you eaten foods you didn’t plan to eat?

• Have you had an overeating episode?

• Have you stopped exercising and not started back again?

• Have you become discouraged because you are not continuing to lose weight?

• Have you gained a pound or two since your last HIPRC visit?

 We call these setbacks “slips.” If you have experienced a slip, you are not alone. If you haven’t experienced a slip yet, you will. Everyone slips from time to time.

People who are just getting started with lifestyle changes are more at risk for slips and need more support to avoid them.   It usually takes about six months of practicing a new skill, such as exercising regularly or eating a low-fat diet, before it becomes a habit. That’s why we say there is no “quick fix” when it comes to health, fitness, and weight management.

If you slip, you may think about not coming for HIPRC visits until you are back in control. Some people quit trying or even give up entirely after a slip. We believe slips are only temporary interruptions. We understand what you are going through and we care. You need to stay in touch with your mentor most when you are having problems. Don’t try to solve the problem alone. Let us help. In this kit you will:

Step 1.             Learn how to get back on track quickly

Step 2.          Identify ways to prevent slips

Step 3.          Identify high-risk situations