Whether you want to drop a few pounds or a few sizes, it’s easy for the end goal to seem overwhelming.The key to improving your health is to set small goals that are attainable.Some dieters start strong only to lose momentum along the way while others bite off more than they can chew and quickly burn out. The key to improving your health is to start where you’re at and set small goals that are attainable. Don’t think about climbing to the top of the mountain, focus on making it to the trees ahead of you first.
If you’re not a runner and your ultimate goal is to finish a marathon, start off by jogging with your neighbor once or twice a week. Use the treadmill at the gym to track how many miles you can run. After a while, sign up for a 5K, then a half marathon, then a marathon.
If you want to fit into your wedding dress again, don’t starve yourself or suddenly start spending hours at the gym. Set a goal to eat one more vegetable with your lunch or dinner. Replace sugary snacks with fruit or nuts. Drink water instead of soda. Do an aerobic exercise two to three times a week for a month.
Celebrate achievements! Along with setting small goals, it’s important to reward yourself when you do reach a milestone whether big or small. Make plans to see a movie with friends. Buy a bouquet of flowers. Visit an art museum, download your favorite band’s latest album, or take your kids to the park.
You know what carrot to dangle in front of yourself that will make the extra effort worthwhile. But be reasonable and don’t cheat. Buying a “victory outfit” every time you make it to yoga class is neither realistic nor economical. Instead, give yourself a pedicure with a new nail polish color, and save the big prizes for true accomplishments like dropping a full dress size.
Losing weight is a big deal. Be sure to celebrate when you reach landmark goals. Here are some ideas on how to do that.
If you’re not a runner and your ultimate goal is to finish a marathon, start off by jogging with your neighbor once or twice a week. Use the treadmill at the gym to track how many miles you can run. After a while, sign up for a 5K, then a half marathon, then a marathon.
If you want to fit into your wedding dress again, don’t starve yourself or suddenly start spending hours at the gym. Set a goal to eat one more vegetable with your lunch or dinner. Replace sugary snacks with fruit or nuts. Drink water instead of soda. Do an aerobic exercise two to three times a week for a month.
Celebrate achievements! Along with setting small goals, it’s important to reward yourself when you do reach a milestone whether big or small. Make plans to see a movie with friends. Buy a bouquet of flowers. Visit an art museum, download your favorite band’s latest album, or take your kids to the park.
You know what carrot to dangle in front of yourself that will make the extra effort worthwhile. But be reasonable and don’t cheat. Buying a “victory outfit” every time you make it to yoga class is neither realistic nor economical. Instead, give yourself a pedicure with a new nail polish color, and save the big prizes for true accomplishments like dropping a full dress size.
Losing weight is a big deal. Be sure to celebrate when you reach landmark goals. Here are some ideas on how to do that.
- Donate your old clothes: If feels good and you won’t be needing them anyway.
- Try out some new, healthy restaurants: When deep-fried and fast food is off the menu, you’ll be amazed at the food you can find out there.
- Get some new gear: Showing off new gear is a great excuse to spend more time at the gym. Besides, your old stuff won’t fit.
- Go on a friend’s night out: Connect with your team and celebrate all the small goals with laughter instead of food.