Setting Goals – Fit for a Queen
Last week we talked a little about nutrition and how important I personally feel it is to overall healthy living. Creating a healthy lifestyle is about so much more than counting calories and counting down the pounds to perfect.
I did receive a few comments about how much work it is to have to pay so much attention to logging food and really paying attention to what you eat. Yes, it can be but what I’ve really learned from logging food and paying attention is a little about portion control and fueling my body. Being more accountable by writing down what I’m eating helps keep me accountable and it works for me.
So enough about that, what else have I found helpful? Setting short term goals. When I was younger the only measure of success for me was losing weight. For women this can be so deflating. My weight on the scale fluctuates at times 5-6 pounds within only a few days. When you are working hard and not seeing results it can often lead you to fall off the wagon and sometimes continue to derail. Setting smaller goals to help keep you motivated and focused is a much smarter choice. Here are a few things which have worked for me.
- Get moving – set a weekly activity goal. Whether you start with two days or five just set something that you feel is reasonable and find something active to do. Even if it is just playing in the backyard with the kids get moving!
- Use a program such as couch to 5K or 10K and use it to start slow and work towards a goal. Want a real challenge? Go ahead and register for a race so you have a finish line to shoot for.
- Do you enjoy strength training? Set a goal for increasing the weight you are currently using.
- Stop using the elevator. I feel so accomplished each week if I choose the stairs every day to my office.
- Get your family or friends involved and compete with each other. Who can log more steps? Who can hold a plank the longest? Can any of you complete a burpee challenge?
- Use a fitness tracker such as a Fitbit and set a goal for daily steps.
- Have baseline blood work and follow up six months later
You know what makes setting goals even more fun? Picking rewards!
- Log your food all week and make healthy choices and reward yourself with a cheat meal.
- Meet your activity goals and reward yourself with new workout clothes
- Complete a race and reward yourself with a massage
As your goals begin to get bigger your rewards can too right? Right now I do have a long term goal to stay committed for the next 6 months. I typically make it a good six weeks and many times life gets a little crazy and I start falling off the wagon. I currently have a Fitbit HR and I do love it but seriously would love an Apple Watch after reading reviews. Let’s see if I can make it.
The biggest thing here is to not get discouraged. You are going to have bad days and life is going to happen. The trick is to not let one day or one bad meal turn into a downward spiral. Everyday your biggest goal should only be to be a little better than the day before!
Great tips! Even now that I have an injury, my Fitbit is helping me stay active!
Oh no Sarita!! Injuries are no fun. I was so mad this morning because I left mine on the charger and now my workout didn't get logged…ugh…I'm a little obsessed with mine when I start wearing it. I am heading to the doc this morning hoping he will give me a steroid shot in my hip..been battling with bursitis. It sucks getting is haha
Great post! And if you get the Apple Watch you will LOVE IT
I have loved my FitBit. I also loved reading this post today! Great tips.
I recently updated my Fitbit Flex to a Blaze and it's made a huge difference in the amount of effort I put into moving.
Good luck with your healthier lifestyle. Remember, small steps add up to big changes.
So true about not getting discouraged if you have a bad couple of days! Just have to keep at it. Funny Deena from Shoes to Shiraz mentioned the getting an Apple watch this past weekend…
Thank you Jenna! I'm really trying to keep up with posting weekly to help a little with my own accountability! I seriously went 2 months without wearing my Fitbit and I totally reverted back to my old habits of taking the elevator and making excuses for not moving more. Hope yo have a super week!
I know I would LOVE it Kimm….hoping maybe I can stay committed and Santa will bring to me! 🙂
I seriously just do so much better when I'm wearing it. I work on the 3rd floor and have caught myself multiple times heading for the elevator but as soon as I reach for that button I see my Fitbit and quickly change my mind! Hope you are having a super week!
So guess what this Fitbit obsessed girl lost it last Friday at the beach. Sweet hubs of mine ordered another from Amazon and it was here the very next day. Whew, my obsessing keeps my in focus but the days I fall, I beat myself up…must stop doing that. GREAT tips!!
I can get obsessed really fast! I've tried to just chill and use it more as a guide instead of a must complete. I do know it for sure makes me get up and move much more often than if I'm not wearing it. Have a super weekend beautiful!
I seriously wish I had done more research between the two before getting my fitbit. I do love it though but it isn't very stylish. haha
I definitely don't track food, but do follow my fitness goals. This was such an encouraging helpful piece to read
I love that you added that bit about not getting discouraged that REALLY is key.
For sure Beth…I can't tell you how many times I've said "just screw it" because I made one bad eating decision that snowballed into an entire week of bad choices. Hope you are having a super week!
I really wish I could be accountable without tracking Jasmine. Every time I fall off the wagon with logging food the next thing I know I'm up 5lbs. I love to cheat! 🙂 Hope you are having a super week!