Weight Loss: Should we be Goal Oriented?
When we picture weight loss, we are always focused on the finish line. Boy, that 20lbs less version of myself will look perfect this summer. But should we focused in on goals?
I often ask my clients, how do you sleep at night with the pressure to be 20lbs less?
Of course I am setting them up, but I can not help it! This question is so important because it helps me get a glimpse at their motivation. I can work with motivation but I can’t work with simply just goals. An odd thing to hear from a Registered Dietitian I know, but it unfortunately is the truth.
When you visualize yourself 20lbs less, it can spark a level of excitement and maybe even a quick means of motivation. However, we run into the problems when you start to work on achieving that goal. For example, I may decide to cut my carb intake in half and increase exercise from 2 times a week to 4 times a week in order to lose weight. Maybe you are reading this and say, oh that’s not to bad. But for the individual making these changes, that’s quite a lot. In order for this individual to achieve this, they must do things like give up some of their favorite foods, take time to think of new recipes, find a gym, give up Netflix time, be creative with cooking, find new workout programs and so much more. So many factors go into these two changes that we may overlook.
So what’s the problem? Of course if you want to change you have to make sacrifices, right?
The fundamental issue is the goal. Imagine going through these difficult changes day in and day out. Wanting and yearning to be 20lbs less. You wake up Thursday morning. Step on the scale. And all you see is a half pound difference.
One hundred and fifty pounds to 149.5.
The first thing that goes through your mind is I give up. All of this for what, a lousy half pound! Cranky, maddened, sad, your mind thinks back to that goal. If it took all of this to get to 149.5, what do I have to do to get to 130. And all of a sudden that goal that once motivated you, sends you down a destructive path digressing you from your coveted end result. You skip exercise over the weekend, desserts, I’ll have three. Booze, sure why not. After a three day downward spiral something happens. That goal becomes important again. You step on the scale and see 151. And you say to yourself, I have a 21lb weight loss goal now and I can’t wait to be 130.
And so it begins again!
Does this sound like a path you have taken before? Does this sound like a successful path? I personally believe this is yo-yo dieting and crash dieting in disguise. So how do we avoid this?
The two most critical aspects to weight loss are motivation and habits.
What motivates you to hit a goal of 130lbs is more important than the goal itself. Try to eliminate all the noise around you when it comes to your goal. Do not let anyone else dictate what your goal is or should be. Once you hone in on what your goal is, focus on what drives you. I want to hit a goal of 130lbs because I am motivated to feel more confident. Because I am motivated to be healthier. Because I am motivated to have abs.
Your motivation is yours, own it!
Next we look at the habits that set us up for success. Everyday, instead of thinking about 130, think about what can get you there. Did I get enough sleep? Did I prepare breakfast.? Did I get to the gym? Did I go food shopping for the week? When you can check all these boxes off, these habits will progress you in the right direction.