In the EatingWell Diet, setting specific and attainable goals is a key to success. What are some of the very specific goals that you've set to help you meet your ultimate goal of shedding pounds? How is this goal-setting approach different from others you've used in the past?
My #1 goal is to write down every single morsel that goes into my mouth, no matter where I am or what I've eaten or what I'm doing. It can be painful to look at some of the weak moments, but I get stronger with each passing day and week that I've been totally honest and accurate in recording calories. In the past I would "take the day off" if my schedule was not typical - camping, picnics, entertaining, etc.. Now I journal every day, even if I've been out all day eating things that are very difficult to calculate. It forces me to reflect on portions and food choices. Sometimes the idea of writing something down stops me from putting it in my mouth.
My main goal is to stay focused and realize that this is not a temporary fix but a long term commitment and a life style change. In terms of specific goals; Journaling daily has been a tremendous help in keeping me on track. I have also learned to be patient and to take things in small steps. I teach school and am part of an educational process in which we set "goals" for our students. One thing that has been istilled in us when we create these goals is the question: " Is the goal measurable and observable?" It also needs to be attainable. If not you're setting the student up for failure. The same applies for the Eating Well Diet Challenge philosophy
My goal also is to write everything down. It is no small challenge as I am away on vacation this week and have to remember to write it all down. In the past I may have been reluctant to write it all down and actually admit what I put in my mouth. But I am convinced that writing it down and exercising are the only ways that will work if I am to get my weight under control. That means learning how many calories my body needs and how many I need to burn off to be at the weight I want. I agree that this is a lifetime challenge and requires changing old habits.
Hello fellow diet challengers! I am sorry I have been MIA all week, my sister was visiting and I was on vacation for the week which was a major challenge!!! Being conscious of things I was eating definitely helped me stay on track but keeping busy all week was very bad for exercising!! I think the thing I am focusing most on is not to only journal and write down everything, but make a real commitment to be active and really burn those calories!
Sometimes the idea of writing something down stops me from putting it in my mouth.
so true! i look at my calorie count for the day at random times to try and make sure i'm staying on track. i've already found after only two weeks though that smaller portions than my usual are completely satisfying.
my specific goals revolve around snacking and exercising. i tend to eat at my desk all day long so bringing healthy snacks with me is key to succeeding on that front. i also want to get in at least 30 minutes of cardio (walking mostly) 5 days a week, so i bring my workout clothes with me to work so i can stop and walk/jog on the way home. we have a young baby at home, so if i don't do it before i get home after work, its just not happening.
I know some diet plans call for writing down or counting points but this is the first time I have actually done it. Like others have mentioned, sometimes just thinking about having to write it down is enough to make me at least think twice before putting it in my mouth.
Of course, writing down everything I eat is my short term goal but for the long term I need to acclimate myself to smaller portions. I have been pleasantly surprised how easy it has been so far and how I don't need to eat huge portions in order to be satisfied.
I also want to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week. Sometimes it is challenging with a little baby in the house and sometimes that is just a good excuse. Now that Jude can be carried in a backpack or sit up in a stroller my good excuses are going away.
How is this goal-setting approach different from others you've used in the past?
Nicci, I set goals that were not too high, so that i can obtain them! What's the point of having a goal that is too high to reach? And really, little goals like swapping out my high calorie sweet snacks for 100 calorie snacks can make a big difference!
