If You Don’t Miss It, It’s Not Right for You: Finding a Diet and Workout You Love
Last week I took a trip to Las Vegas with my family.
A weekend filled with decadent desserts and enough drinks to make even the most seasoned bartender raise an eyebrow (almond croissants and sticky toffee pudding were my favorites, though the blue cheese martini was a bit much for me). It was a whirlwind of excitement. In the midst of all the fun and chaos, my Dad turned to me with a bit of a surprise on his face and said, “I can’t believe it, but I actually miss my workouts and oatmeal.”
And you know what? That’s the point.
If you don’t find yourself missing your routine when you step away from it, chances are, it might not be the right one for you. Let’s talk about why that matters.
The Problem with Unsustainable Regimens
Too many people choose diets or workout plans they can’t wait to escape.
Extreme calorie cuts, workouts you dread, or bland, joyless meals might deliver short-term results, but they’re impossible to maintain. The problem? These plans treat fitness like punishment instead of a lifestyle. The truth is, long-term success comes from finding a routine that feels natural and fits into your life. Your plan should add to your life—not make you feel like you’re sacrificing it.
When workouts energize you and meals feel satisfying, you won’t need a “break” from your routine—you’ll want to keep coming back to it.
Why Missing It Matters
When you genuinely miss your routine during a break, it means you’ve found something worth sticking to.
This isn’t about guilt or regret—it’s about recognizing how good your plan makes you feel. Enjoyable workouts boost your energy and confidence, while meals you love keep you satisfied and fueled. When you look forward to your routine, it becomes a part of your identity, not a temporary fix.
That’s the secret to long-term results: finding a plan you’re excited to return to, even after a little indulgence.
How to Find the Right Plan for You
The best plan is the one you’ll actually enjoy. Start by experimenting with different workouts and meals to find what clicks:
Love being outside? Try hiking, biking, outdoor yoga, or even park workouts like pull-ups and push-ups on playground equipment. If you like challenges, join an outdoor boot camp or obstacle course race.
Enjoy variety? Mix weightlifting with group classes, sports, or dance-based workouts like Zumba or hip-hop cardio. For a unique twist, try martial arts, boxing, or trampoline fitness classes.
Hate boring meals? Explore healthy recipes with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Incorporate things like healthy smoothies, grain bowls, or homemade sushi rolls. Add fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut for extra flavor and health benefits, or experiment with cooking in an air fryer for a healthier take on crispy foods.
Need convenience? Stock up on pre-chopped veggies, frozen fruits, or meal kits that make healthy eating quick and easy without sacrificing flavor.
Crave accountability? Join a fitness community online or in person, hire a coach, or sign up for virtual workout challenges to keep you motivated and consistent.
The goal is to find what excites you, not just what “works” in theory. Try new things, have fun with the process, and take note of what makes you feel energized and satisfied.
The more you enjoy the experience, the more likely you are to stick with it.
Wrap Up - The Vegas Lesson
At the end of the day, the best routine is the one that makes you feel good—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
It’s about finding a balance between enjoyment and progress, where your workouts energize you and your meals leave you feeling fueled and satisfied. When your routine becomes something you look forward to, rather than something you force yourself to do, that’s when you know you’ve found the sweet spot. So take the time to explore, experiment, and most importantly, have fun with the process.
When you find a routine that feels like a natural part of your life, you won’t need a break from it—you’ll be excited to get back to it, even after one-too-many almond croissants.
Best,
John
P.S.
HUGE shout out to my dad, who, despite stacking multiple rounds of Michelin Ultra and Fireball in Vegas this weekend, is down to his lowest weight in decades and feeling healthier than ever!
Proof that finding a routine you enjoy can lead to lasting results—even if you throw in a little fun along the way. Let’s go!
3 Steps You Can Take
Apply for coaching - If you’re ready to start, you can fill out a coaching application here (it takes 90 seconds or less). Best case, you change your life. Worst case, I’ll help you draw up a road map to get closer to your goals.
Sign up for my newsletter - If you’d like to hear more, sign up for my mailing list here.
Keep learning - You can check out my other articles here. Nobody asked me to, but I’ve spent a ton of time researching everything from artificial sweeteners to saturated fat to testosterone and more, so you don’t have to.
