Losing Weight the SMART Way
Every year resolutions to lose weight are set for the new year.
If that is something you’re aiming for in 2020, congratulations! Making the decision to lose weight is just the first step, and an important part of the overall goal. Dr. Leslie Thomas, a med-peds physician at Granville Primary Care & OB/GYN, explains how setting “SMART” goals will help you to be successful with achieving your goals!
Losing weight is a hard task, but you got this! Setting small goals each week or each month is a great way to baby-step your way to your larger goals. And achieving your smaller goals will give you a burst of confidence. Losing just 10% of your body weight leads to a decreased risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and many other diseases.
I know you can do this – let’s go!
Your small goals should be SMART goals. Read below the find out how to set a SMART goal and then take out paper and pen and actually write down your first SMART goal. Go find the pen and paper, I’ll wait…
- Specific. A good goal includes very specific details. For example, a goal to eat less is not specific, but a goal to eat a salad for lunch is specific. You’re declaring what you will do, how long you will do it and when you will do it.
- Measurable. If you can measure a goal, then you can objectively determine how successful you are at meeting the goal. A goal of exercising more is not measurable, but a goal of taking a 30-minute walk can be measured.
- Attainable. An attainable goal is one that you can achieve. For example, if your work schedule doesn’t allow a walk at the park every day, then that’s not an attainable goal. However, an exercise tape or a walk on the treadmill might do the trick.
- Realistic. It’s important to set goals that are realistic for where you are in your life. A goal to run a marathon this week might not be realistic if you are just beginning a walking regimen. A more realistic goal would be to walk a 5K in three months time.
- Timely. Selecting a goal with a timeline will keep things interesting for you. Perhaps you want to limit your calorie intake. Try avoiding high-calorie items 5 out of 7 days this week. Giving yourself a window of time can motivate you without seeming too overwhelming.
