Every new year, the most common resolution is a personal goal to “lose weight”.

In this post, we are going to use SMART objectives to help you plan that ultimate goal for the new year.

SMART goals may be used in business, school and in daily life. It can also be effective in planning for a weight loss goal. The SMART acronym which stands for:

1. Specific,
2. Measurable,
3. Attainable,
4. Relevant and
5. Time-bound

is a great way to set goals that have purpose and structure.

Let’s Get Started: How To Plan Your SMART Goals

[ If you would prefer to watch a short video on setting SMART goals, please click here. ]

Below we are going to walk you through the steps for planning your SMART goals for weight loss.

1. Specific

You can’t just say you want to get healthy. Or you want to look sexy.

Specific means you choose the goal: for example:

• lose fat roll around stomach
• gain abs
• tone arms
• eat more healthily
• stop comfort eating.

2. Measurable

Now that you have a specific goal in mind, then go for something measurable.

There should be a target number on your list. Write down your target weight and work around it. Include the calories you need to take in and the calories you need to burn in exercise. [ Check out this free calorie counter site ]

Get specific with the time spent on work out as well.

You can get help of various apps for this. Some apps will ask for your current weight and your ideal weight and suggest the healthiest timeframe for you to shed the pounds through exercise and calorie counting. Visit your app store and search for an app that will help motivate you.

3. Attainable

You might want those abs or toned arms but it’s a good idea to start with something small that you know you can achieve.

Choose something motivating, that you will work for and will feel accomplished when you reach it.

It might be things like:

• I will drop one dress size in two months
• I will be able to do up the zipper on my favorite jeans
• I will not have back fat seeping from by bra.

4. Relevant

Is your goal relevant to you? Is it important to your life and your plans now? If yes, then go for it.

My point is, do not pressure yourself to lose some pounds because somebody else wants you to do it. Do it because it’s good for you and you want it.

5. Time Bound

Nominating a deadline will motivate you to finish it.

Typically huge weight loss in a small amount of time is hard to maintain. A more gradual weight loss regime has a better chance of successful long-term maintenance.

Tips And Examples of Weight Loss SMART Goals

We’re happy to share some tips and examples from Terry, one of our long-term supporters, who uses our programs and products with her group at a local community centre.

• Your health is important – what do you want to achieve for your body? Choose to lose a dress size or lose 10lbs.
• Choose foods wisely. Eat foods low in sodium (under 5% is recommended); fruits: bananas, grapes,
  strawberries, fresh vegetables. Eliminate canned vegetables as they are high in sodium and watch what you eat while dining out. If you can’t finish your meal ask if you can take it with you.
• Exercise to maintain healthy weight loss. Join a gym; walk with a partner, friend or your dog.  Jog; run; ride a bike, swim, do yoga.
• Motivate yourself for maintenance. Once you have reached your goal you need to maintain your results by continuing to choose the right foods and exercise daily.
• Consult your physician for proper diet and exercise for you. There are prescription medications that can make it difficult to lose weight so be informed of the challenges you face before jumping into eating regimes or exercises that may not be good for you.
• Never get discouraged on the road for a better you.
• Remember, we all have different body chemistry. What works for one person may not work for
  another. You work with the body you have been given. Your overall goal is to improve and maintain your body.

Terry says; “I have taken several of Michele’s programs and I highly recommend you join her 30-Day Weight Loss Athon.”

So make this year your weight loss year by being SMART!

People are amazed at what they achieve in just a few minutes each day.

I can’t promise that you’ll lose a certain amount of weight. But I can promise that if you complete the daily tasks you’ll become an action taker, and you’ll give your mind and body a great jump-start to weight loss.

Sign up today and join us for a fabulous 30-day program that will get you thinking and eating better!