Making the Map

When driving from Portland to San Diego, I can generally follow the road signs and get there. I am way to anal for that, so I opt to print out directions for each step of the way. On the way to San Diego I check the map many, many time to make sure I am heading where I need to go.

The same is true for setting goals. The first step is writing the weight loss goals down. These goals need to be reasonable or you will set yourself up for failure. For our 12 week program 12-24 lbs of weight loss is a reasonable goal. Anything more than that is possible but takes a lot of extra work. Now that those goals are written down, they need to be looked at often. My map to San Diego would not be useful to me if I didn't pick it up and stare at it every time I came near a new highway. We need to remind ourselves of our weight loss goals every time we sit down to eat. It may make you steer away from that cookie or fast food for lunch. Knowing the weight loss goal is not enough.

This is another reason I like the websites that help you track food and exercise. Most of the websites have charts to show you were you should be with your weight loss if you stick to the goals. If you find you are gaining weight again, it is time to look at the goals again so as not to become lost. Click on the title to this blog post to learn more about goal setting.

Determination

A few posts back I talked about goal setting and only setting one or two goals at a time until a habit is set.
Along with the goal setting is important questions to ask yourself. Every time you go to do something you have to ask yourself if what you are doing is in alignment with your goals. For example if your goal is to eat healthier or lose weight by eating better, every time food crosses into your mouth you have to ask your self, will eating this food keep me in line with my goals? If not, it is time to put the fork down, if it will chow away.
Remember the fastest place from one point to another is a straight line so eating cup cakes and pizza is not a straight line. Also if you are craving person, can you find a way to limit your craving or cheat to once a day? If you are going to have a cookie for lunch are you willing to omit desert or that glass of wine in the evening?
Keep on trucking ladies, we are only three weeks away from it all.