Keep Your New Year’s Weight Loss Goals on Track All Year Long

Posted: Dec 20 in Lifestyle and Activity by Staff

Many people choose losing weight as their number one New Year’s resolution. However, six months into the New Year, only about 44% of people are still achieving success with their weight loss goals. On a positive note, those that “declared their resolutions, had 10 times the success rate in terms their goals compared to those who didn’t, according to a recent study. Let’s take a look at some tips that we think will help you stay on track with your New Years weight loss goals.

1. Document Your Goals. The best way to achieve success with goals, whether weight loss or not, is to write it down. Even if you have had weight loss surgery, such as Lap Band in Albany, GA and your goal is to maintain your weight, write it down.

2. Be Specific. Do not just write general goals, such as “Eat Less” or “Exercise More”. Instead say that you will exercise every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday for 45 minutes each day. It is even better schedule a time when you will fit in these 45 minutes.

3. Address Eating Issues. If you are the type of person that eats rapidly, make a goal to eat more slowly, especially after weight loss surgery. If it usually takes you 15 minutes to eat dinner, state a goal that you will eat the same plateful over 30 minutes rather than 15 minutes. Remember it can take over 20 minutes for your stomach to signal it is full once you start eating.

4. Make an Activity a Habit. Experts say that it takes 21 days for something to become a habit. Therefore, pick one weight loss activity and consistently do it for 21 days until it becomes a habit.

5. Commit to a Lifestyle Change Rather than a Diet. For the most part, many “diets” don’t work. They may work initially, but many fail to work long term. Instead, commit to a lifestyle change of healthy eating habits and regular physical activity, which are especially important if you have had weight loss surgery.

All-in-all set realistic goals that you will stick to, develop healthy habits and document your goals and progress for a successful New Year’s goal attainment.