By Mike Thomas, NBHWC September 21, 2023
Hey there, folks! If you’ve ever tried to eat healthier, you know that setting goals can be a bit like finding your way through a maze. But no worries! Today, we’ll talk about setting realistic goals and making it all feel less like a maze and more like a fun adventure.
Why Set Realistic Goals?
Imagine you’re trying to climb a mountain. If you aim to reach the peak in a single leap, you’re in for a tough time, right? Setting realistic goals is like taking one step at a time instead. Here’s why it’s super important:
1. Less Stress, More Success: Realistic goals are like little victories along the way. They reduce stress and help you see progress, which keeps you motivated.
2. Avoiding Burnout: Trying to change everything at once can be overwhelming. Realistic goals prevent burnout and make the journey enjoyable.
Baby Steps Toward Better Eating
Okay, so how do you set realistic goals when it comes to eating? It’s all about taking small, doable steps. Let’s dive into it:
1. Start with a Tiny Tweak: Instead of a complete diet overhaul, begin by making a small change. For example, swap out sugary soda for water or eat an extra serving of veggies with dinner.
2. Make a List of Healthy Habits: Write down the good habits you want to build, like eating more fruits, cooking at home, or snacking on nuts instead of chips.
3. Pick One Habit to Focus On: Choose just one habit from your list. Make it your goal for the week or month. For instance, if you’ve picked “eating more fruits,” aim to add one serving of fruit to your daily meals. Just a small tweak.
4. Track Your Progress: Keep a journal or use a handy app to track how you’re doing. It’s like your own personal cheerleader, celebrating your small wins. Tracking helps keep the new behavior in the front of your mind and takes just a minute to do. This one action step can be huge in making progress!
5. Be Kind to Yourself: If you slip up, don’t sweat it! Remember, setbacks are a part of the journey. Just get back on track and keep moving forward.
6. Celebrate/Acknowledge Your Victories: When you successfully make a positive change, celebrate it! Treat yourself to a little something special, like a relaxing bath or a movie night. This celebration or acknowledgement, even a small one such as saying the words out loud or in your head, “I did that!” can go a long way in helping to reinforce the behavior that you are aiming to build into a habit.
7. Build on Your Success: Once you’ve nailed one goal, confidence begins to build. From there, move on to the next. Slowly but surely, you’ll build a collection of healthy habits that become a natural part of your life.
And there you have it, folks! Setting realistic goals and taking baby steps can make your journey to healthier eating feel like a breeze, not a tornado. So, start small, stay positive, and enjoy the ride to a happier, healthier you!
To your better health!
Mike
This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to CoachMikeThomas.com.