Journey to a Healthier Life with Goal Setting

Well, we are nearing the end of February. How are you doing with your new year resolutions and goals? I set goals every year and rarely meet all my goals, but am learning to see the progress I made as victories. Life is a journey not a destination. Consistent progress (even small) can lead to desired outcomes. Here are a few goal setting tips and and example from my own life.

A few goal setting tips:

  • Be simple, realistic, measurable and achievable
  • Write it down and put it somewhere where you will see it regularly
  • Focus on one goal at a time
  • Celebrate your successes 
  • Review your progress regularly and reevaluate what isn't working. Don't just throw in the towel!

I have shared before that the concept of Traffic Light Eating has really transformed how I eat and how I feed my family. And even though I have a Bachelor's degree in Dietetics, I still struggle to eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables that I know my body needs each day. Unfortunately all of that knowledge is useless, unless I take the necessary action to improve my health and teach my family to enjoy (or at least) taste nutritious foods. 

This month, my goal is to have a Green Light food (fruit or vegetable) Each time I eat. Even if it's just one bite. I also want to offer Green Light foods to my children each time they eat (even if they don't take a bite). This is simple, realistic and definitely measurable. For now, I am only requiring myself to take one bite each time I eat. It's achievable as long as I buy fruits and vegetables and have them prepped and readily available. Of course, usually I'll eat more than one bite. Right now as I type this post, I am having a rare treat of a few chocolate chips and I have added 2 blueberries to meet my goal. Not so hard, huh?!

Now it's your turn. Keep in mind, we are considering any progress a success, what new year goal have you kept? What needs reevaluation? Make sure your goal is simple, realistic, and measurable. Write it down and post it where you can see it regularly. As an extra level of accountability, share your goal in the comments below.

Happy goal setting! Enjoy the journey to a healthier life!

Erin Marie

 

 



 

Posted on February 25, 2016 and filed under Nutrition Nibbles.