Did you know that about half of adults in the United States want to lose weight? With our culture of working hard and always staying busy, it can be difficult for many people to cook and exercise on a regular basis.
Have you ever wondered how you create smart goals for weight loss that you can actually achieve? Here are some tips and tricks for setting weight loss goals, and making sure that you meet your end goal for a healthy weight.
Start Small
If you start doing too much, too quickly, then you set yourself up for failure for your short term weight loss goals. You should make sure to start with small steps in the beginning, especially if you have not made any lifestyle changes in a long time.
For example, if one of your weight loss goals is to be able to run five miles, start by walking around your neighborhood for a couple of miles a week. You can get a feel for the activity but not overwork your body too much in the process.
Create Logical Goals
One of the best ways to formulate goals is through the S.M.A.R.T. method. This stands for:
- specific
- measurable
- achievable
- realistic
- time frame
As you are setting weight loss goals, run each one through these S.M.A.R.T. factors to make sure they check all of the boxes.
For instance, you should not just have a general goal of losing 50 pounds. Rather, you can have a S.M.A.R.T goal of losing 50 pounds within two years.
This gives you something to look forward to and work towards. In addition, you will not have to put as much pressure on yourself and feel like giving up.
Change Your Eating Habits
Although exercise is one of the keys to achieving your weight loss goals, eating habits are a huge factor as well. Most weight loss is calorie-based, meaning that you need to burn more calories than you consume every day.
Rather than going on a strict diet, try adding more fruits, vegetables, and healthier options to your rotation every day. You will find that there are dishes and foods that you crave, which will help you to maintain a calorie deficit.
If you struggle with trying to change your eating habits, you should meet with a nutritionist or dietitian for advice.
Reward Yourself on the Way
You should always make sure to have fun on your weight loss journey. Otherwise, you will definitely start to feel burnt out and not want to keep up with your reasonable weight loss goals.
Short term weight loss goals are just as important as long term. You can set a goal chart with different rewards for meeting the increments of your overarching goal.
For example, if you meet your first goal of losing 10 pounds, then you can take yourself on a weekend trip or a fun date with your significant other.
Find Fun Exercises
If you have a goal of exercising more, you need to make sure that you find forms of exercise that you love. If you only do exercises that you hate, it will always seem like a chore. Then you will find every excuse not to go to the gym.
Consider getting outside and going on a beautiful hike once a week as a good place to start. Other fun activities involve places like the beach. Get your cardio on with a fun game of beach volleyball.
For extra motivation, consider hiring a personal trainer. Companies like Forward Thinking Fitness personal training are great for pairing up with a trainer who understands your goals and needs.
No All-or-Nothing Attitude
Although it may seem tempting to go all-in at the beginning of your weight loss journey, it can actually be harmful to you in the long run. Setting expectations too high will inevitably lead to failure.
If you slip up and overeat or stop exercising for a week or two, you do not have to give up completely. Simply pick up where you left off and make sure that you try to get back on board with your habits.
Being kind to yourself in this way is a great method for staying positive. It also acknowledges the ups and downs, which are a reality of losing weight for anyone.
Make a Vision Board
Visualizing your goals can be a powerful tool in making sure that you are always working toward them. A great way to always keep your goals in check is to make your very own vision board.
You can gather a group of friends together to make vision boards together and compare ideas. Try sifting through a pile of magazines or pictures printed off the internet.
Make sure to place your vision board somewhere that you can look at it frequently. Some good places include right next to your bed, or at your desk, if you work from home.
Join an Accountability Group
Having friends along the way can make a huge difference in how you achieve your weight loss goals. Accountability partners can help you to form healthy habits and participate in fun exercise activities with you.
In addition, it is great to have accountability partners because they will have the same goals as you do. For instance, you probably will not find yourself going out to fast food places or buffets if you all have the shared goal of losing weight and creating a healthier lifestyle.
Use These Smart Goals for Weight Loss
If you want to lose weight, you should not have to struggle with making goals that will work for you. With these tips, you can create the perfect goals and be on your way to living a happy lifestyle in no time.
Would you like to learn more about how you can maintain a healthy body and mind? Check out our site for all of the tips and tricks you will need to create your perfect healthy lifestyle.
