Set Achievable Goals

Set Your Goals Wisely

The new year is fast approaching! What goals are you setting?

Unrealistic Goals:

Beware of asking too much of yourself right away. This can be unsustainable and in some cases, extremely unhealthy. Check out a few examples of unrealistic goals below, and make sure that these aren’t on YOUR list...

  • Weight loss of 10 pounds or more per month.

  • Exercising every day.

  • No restaurant dining.

  • No snacking.

  • No desserts.

  • A strict, “go-hungry” diet.

  • Skipping breakfast or lunch every day.

  • Buying specialty foods that promise weight loss.

 Realistic Goals:

Realistic goals can be challenging but should be achievable. Look for ways to improve your lifestyle, diet, and activities, but remember to start slowly. Take a look at a few examples of realistic goals below...

  • Try a weight loss of 1-2 pounds per month.

  • Aim to exercise an average of 5-6 days per week.

  • Learn to make better choices at restaurants.

  • Try new, healthful foods.

  • Find satisfying snacks that are low in calories.

  • Share an occasional dessert with other people but keep it from becoming an everyday occurrence.

  • Follow MyPlate’s advice and enjoy your food, but eat less. Practice portion control.

  • Eat healthful, lean breakfasts and lunches that are high in fiber.

  • Enjoy plenty of fruits and veggies, cooked whole grains, and lean protein foods.

Sample Goals:

Still not sure where to start? Try one of these sample goals...

  • Aim for a weight loss of 1-2 pounds per month.

  • Make a conscious effort to buy and eat more fruits and vegetables.

  • Plan your grocery shopping ahead of time to avoid random purchases.

  • Manage the food you keep on hand and go out for occasional treats rather than keeping them around the house.

  • Make better and smaller choices when you eat at restaurants. Try soup and salad as your entree or an appetizer and a salad.

  • When possible, bring a bag of lunch from home. Packing your lunch makes it easier to control the calories and contents.

  • Keep high-calorie snack foods out of the house. They are less tempting that way!

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Stephanie Ronco

Stephanie Ronco has been editing for Food and Health Communications since 2011. She graduated from Colorado College magna cum laude with distinction in Comparative Literature. She was elected a member of Phi Beta Kappa in 2008.

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