Is your New Year’s Resolution realistic?
We all find ourselves enjoying a little too much of our favorite holiday foods this time of year, and look forward to January as a chance to set the reset button on all of our bad habits.
Are you one of the many Americans that wants to try and lose weight and be healthier this year? We can help! This post will address how to set the right type of goal for you, and how to make it achievable.
Focus on HOW to reach the goal, not the number.
We start out with the best of intentions on January 1st, saying we will lose 10 lbs, or choose a goal weight and work towards it, but in doing so we can sabotage our own success. It is important that we create weight loss goals that focus on the process, not your desired outcome.
A healthy way to focus on the weight loss process rather than the outcome would be to set a goal of eating five servings of fruits and veggies a day, or setting a goal to walk for 20 minutes every day. These process goals help you reach your overall goal by creating positive habits.
Set SMART Goals
The SMART goal setting technique can act as a checklist for you when making a weight-loss goal to make sure you are more likely to form positive habits that will help you achieve it.
SPECIFIC– Make your goal specific, instead of “walk more” change your goal to “walk 30 minutes every day before dinner.” Now you gave your self a guideline of how long you will walk, how often you will walk, and when. Keep in mind how long, how often and when!
MEASURABLE– Make your goal measurable, instead of “exercise more” change your goal to, “walk 30 minutes a day.”
ACHIEVABLE– Make your goal reasonably attainable, if you struggle with time management, keep your exercise short, and do it daily.
REALISTIC– Make your goal healthy and realistic, if you are focusing on a number of pounds to lose, keep it in a healthy range and try to lose between 5 and 10 percent of your current weight. A calorie goal for the day is also a helpful tool that helps establish good habits.
TIMELY– Keep track of your progress over time, and set a date that you want to accomplish it by!
Break Down Big Goals into smaller ones
Long term goals can seem intimidating, so breaking them down into several bit sized pieces can help us achieve what we strive for. Short term goals are also incredibly motivating when you complete them!
Don’t Let Setbacks Discourage You
Setbacks happen to the best of us, so don’t let them get in the way of your weight loss goal, instead plan for those little mistakes on the way and develop strategies to overcome them.
Jesse Elliott, DPT, Licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy with Siskiyou PT
We offer Same Day Appointments for those that are post surgical or medically urgent. We offer discounts or payment plans for those that have high insurance deductible health plans, no insurance or have a financial hardship.
Call now to get your life back, 800-958-2588 or visit SiskiyouPT.com
This is your year, take charge of your health and set some healthy weight-loss goals today!
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