How to Stay Consistent During Seasonal Cravings

Soondus Maria crouching with mini pumpkin in front of face

EVERY SEASON HAS ITS FLAVOR.

Pumpkin spice in the Fall, peppermint in the Winter, strawberry in the Spring, and watermelon all Summer long. Every season is full of limited-edition treats, so it’s easy for your health and body goals to get pushed aside. After getting sucked into seasonal flavors for years, I realized there are so many other ways to celebrate each season without making food the center of it. I’ve created a list below to help you celebrate every season, too!

To Plan or Not To Plan

In my opinion, having an actual plan seriously helps. I know when I plan out my day, my content, or hell, my grocery list, it makes everything easier for me. I know that sometimes having a (strict) plan can seem too committal, maybe even suffocating or uninspired.

For some, not having a plan seems easier, more spontaneous, or perhaps a bit careless, depending on how you look at it. Before you know it, you realize you’re drifting, not reaching your goals, and maybe even 10-20 pounds heavier by the end of the season. Yikes!

Ultimately, having a (realistic) plan is essential when it comes to your body goals. Don’t be “careless” about your health or goals.

Inconsistency is a Form of Disrespect

That said, I’ll be the first to say I’ve been known in the past (in my life and on my YouTube channel) to be very inconsistent. Although I agree that inconsistency is a form of disrespect, I do think sometimes taking a break, slowing down, and gathering data can be beneficial, too.

For example, in 2020 when I took my corseting “sabbatical” (for “personal growth, travel, and rest” is what I told myself), it gave me time to think about whether or not I really wanted to continue waist training and content creation.

After my long rendezvous with inconsistency, I fell back in love with why I corset train. And I can say with confidence that my “why” will always keep me in check. Remembering my why helps me stay consistent during seasons when distractions and temptations are everywhere. But consistency isn’t just about sticking to a schedule. It’s also about how you handle the temptations that come with the season.

Keep Indulgence to a Minimum

Don’t Fall for the Pumpkin Propaganda! Or the Peppermint Propaganda. Or any of the other seasonal flavors.

Okay look, I’m not saying, “Don’t eat any seasonal flavors all year long!” Obviously I’d be a monster if I said to do that, right?! LOL.

But what I am saying is, save those indulgences for a special occasion, or a moment that calls for it. Share with someone, or eat half now and save the other half for tomorrow. Maybe even make a healthier version by adding protein, removing some of the sugar, or replacing it with a low-calorie option.

We know what all the seasonal flavors taste like. If you say you don’t, you’re lying to yourself.

We don’t have to have a ‘little treat’ every single day, just because we see ‘Limited Edition’ stamped on the product’s package.

Don’t Sabotage Yourself

The bigger issue isn’t having a seasonal treat. It’s the mindset that tells us we need one every time we’re tempted. Trying seasonal flavors, eating your favorite treats, and testing out your cooking and baking skills are 100% things you should do each and every season.

BUT NOT EVERY SINGLE DAY.
NOT FOR THE ENTIRE WEEKEND.
NOT BECAUSE IF YOU DON’T, YOU’LL GET FOMO.
AND ESPECIALLY NOT WHEN YOU’VE HAD A LONG DAY AND JUST NEED A “LITTLE TREAT.”

Stop sabotaging yourself every chance you get. Stop cheating on your future self.

Reminder: I’m not a monster, and I’m going to enjoy life and have my favorite seasonal flavors. But I’m going to do it sparingly and planned out. There’s no need to overdo it every single season, just so regret can come crashing down afterward.

Have some discipline! Have some self-respect! Don’t let this beautiful season throw you off track.

Celebrate the Season Beyond the Food

fall ideas: fall nails, fall sweet treats, pumpkin patch, evergreen forest, fall reads, fall scents, fall boots

Below is a list of things you can do to enjoy every season without making food the center of the festivities.

Scents and Home Decor

Use a body spray in your favorite seasonal scent as a bathroom spray or linen/bed spray
Light a candle that smells like the season, or use a candle warmer
Decorate for the season inside your home, and outside (front & back!)

Beauty and Self-Care

Soondus Maria fall nails with pumpkin and maple leaf and large evergreen in background

Switch your body care and hand soap to the season’s scents
Themed press-on nails from SHEIN, Amazon, Etsy, etc.
Use a lip balm in this season’s flavor
Start a self-care routine for the season, AM & PM
Commit to hair care and skin care routines based on seasonal changes
Design or get inspired by makeup looks for the season

Photo Shoot Ideas

Soondus Maria 4 photo collage looking at phone walking in corn maze sitting on ground pumpkin on head

Locations for every budget, from free to pricey:

The park
A botanical garden
Hiking trails
Residential areas (some neighborhoods allow for photo opps; check FB groups and the Neighborhood app)
Retail shops and malls
Seasonal farms and fields: pumpkin patches, apple orchards, Christmas tree farms, U-pick berries farm, flower fields (multiple! they’re not all the same)
Festivals, markets, and light displays
Professional photo shoots (the mall, check IG, FB groups, & Airbnb “activities”)
Themed immersive photo installations / “selfie museums”

Get Outside and Travel

Soondus Maria full body shot with earphones on and mountain background going on a fall walk

Go for a walk and soak up the season’s weather
Head out for a drive or bike ride to see the scenery change
Make a savings account bucket for a seasonal trip
Travel to other cities or states that have that perfect weather for the season

Fun and Entertainment

Soondus Maria whats-in-my-bag: fall reads The Devil's Advocate book, Louis Vuitton toilette purse, black sunglasses, sunflowers, fall scents perfume by Kheir fragrance house, MAC compact, NYX lip stick/gloss, on a white scarf with a brown scarf on the right corner

Go to a themed paint night
Watch movies & TV shows that match the season
Change up your reading list to fit the vibe of the season
Make a playlist of music, instrumentals, and sounds for the season (like a crackling fireplace for the colder months and birds chirping for warmer ones)
Make a Pinterest mood board or bucket list for each season

Flavors and Staying on Track

fall sweet treat apple cider donuts with apple cider icing, but red barn and weeds in the background

Split a seasonal sweet treat with someone
Browse clothes in your GOAL size to stay motivated (don’t buy; just browse)
DIY your favorite seasonal recipes and treats (if you know how much sugar it calls for, you might be reluctant to eat so much of it)
Make a healthier version of your favorites
Drink zero-calorie tea in your favorite seasonal flavor
Use seasonal fruits, veg, & spices in your daily cooking and baking

Celebrate the Holidays

Decorate and dress for the holiday
Go to theme parks during their holiday events
Visit attractions like haunted houses, holiday light shows, and fireworks
Take a ride around neighborhoods that are decorated for the holiday
Plan your holiday meals early so there are no surprises (no sabotages this year!)
Enjoy the holidays you get off from school/work
Learn about holidays around the world: Día de los Muertos (Mexico), St. Patrick’s Day (Ireland), etc.
Do Black Friday and semi-annual sales count as holidays??? LOL!

Stay Motivated, Stay Consistent

Above all, set some intentions, say your prayers (if you’re into that), hope for the best, and stick to your plan. Your goals shouldn’t change just because the season does. Enjoy the season, taste its flavors, and keep it pushing.

♡, S