Preparing to Attain a Healthy Weight
You feel ready to switch from thinking about a weight management program to doing something about it. You've examined the benefits and pictured yourself being successful. Now it's time to learn and practice the skills to support your decision.
SMART Goals Provide Direction, Motivation
A map of where you want to go is the only way to ensure you'll get there. Well written goals are your map to success for personal objectives like healthy eating. But a goal is just a wish if it isn't SMART:
Specific. Be precise. Write down exactly what you expect to achieve.
Measurable. Include amounts, times, days, and other milestones for gauging success.
Achievable. Set your sights on an attainable goal, yet one that causes you to stretch, to go beyond what you're doing today.
Relevant. Although it's nice for your spouse, kids, boss, parents, and friends to want you to be successful, your goal should matter to you, first and foremost.
Trackable. Successful behavior change doesn't happen in a fell swoop, it takes time. Record your progress over days or weeks to see how much you've achieved. |
Track and Record Your Progress
 The goal of your program is to lose weight and make exercise a habit. To help with this goal, it's a good idea to keep track of what's working and what's not. Documenting your progress is a great way to achieve your goal of making exercise a life-long pursuit.
Your notes could include:
- Date, time of day, location, weather conditions
- Type of activity, distance covered
- Body weight, resting heart rate
- How you felt while exercising
Developing a personal plan and tracking your results can be very helpful, here are two tools that may be helpful to you. |
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