Set Measurable and Doable Weight Loss Goals

With less activity and more time spent at home due to the pandemic, we can expect more dieters than ever trying to resolve their commitment in the new year. Weight loss resolutions often include intense workouts, complicated cleansings, less than exciting meals, and open-ended statements about lifestyle changes. Anyone who makes a resolution to lose weight needs to attach realistic goals like drinking only water with meals or eating three servings of vegetables a day. So, resolve to make changes that are easily measured and doable. If you really want to make a commitment to losing weight and being healthier for the new year, consider your resolution to be a long-term investment that requires more than a few weeks to attain success. Avoid being overwhelmed and set a goal to lose one pound a week in January.

• Identify Culprits for Overeating - Identify those things that drive you to eat when you are not hungry. Depression, stress, anxiety, and sadness are common culprits for overeating.
• Avoid Foods with Added Sugars - Consuming too many foods and beverages with added sugars makes it difficult to achieve a healthy eating pattern and provide no essential nutrients.
• Include Extra Protein in Diet - Eating more protein during the day can lead to major reductions in cravings and the desire to snack late at night without restricting caloric intake, portion sizes, or consumption of fat.
• Eat More Fiber to Feel Full - Consume more fiber. This will help you feel full longer after meals or snacks. Foods high in fiber include lentils, lima beans, artichokes, green peas, and broccoli.
• Include Good Fats - Consuming healthy fats adds balance to your diet, so enjoy small amounts of fat from good sources like those found in fish, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
• Limit Liquid Sugar Intake - Although most people know sugary sodas are a bad choice when trying to lose weight, but healthier drinks like fruit juice can be loaded with sweet calories.

Now that you’ve made your New Year’s resolution, try breaking down your actual goal into specific steps. That will let you track your progress and adjust your weight loss plan if you encounter obstacles along the way. It is important to remember that sustainable weight loss can take time. Worry less about minor fluctuations and concentrate more on shedding pounds at a slow but steady pace. If you cannot measure a goal, it is difficult to determine how successful you’ve been at achieving that goal. So, make sure your weight loss goals have measurable timelines. Adopting healthy eating patterns and exercising most days can help you achieve any realistic weight loss goals. Just accept that setbacks will happen, and obstacles often occur at the worst of times. Permanent weight loss comes from commitment.