Set Achievable Goals

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!