A S.M.A.R.T. Start to the New Year!

Happy New Year!  

For many, this is the time to lose weight, eat a healthier diet, and become more physically active. We set goals to be the best we can be in 2013, but unfortunately, as busy schedules resume, and the initial motivation wears off, new year resolutions will be placed on the back burner. So how can you set goals that you will actually achieve? 

The answer is to be S.M.A.R.T.

S- Specific

What do you want to accomplish? Why do you want to accomplish this? Who is involved? Where will this goal be achieved?

Example:

What? I want to lose weight.

Why? To be healthier, feel better, and look better.

How? I will do this by walking on the treadmill or swimming at the UAB Rec Center and eating healthier or I will begin meeting with a personal trainer and a dietitian.

M-Measurable

What measure will you use to determine if you have achieved your goal

Example: I want to lose 10 pounds of weight. 

A-Attainable

Goals should be challenging, but not impossible.  In order to achieve a larger goal, break it down to smaller goals. Create a plan.

Example: I will exercise (walk or swim) at the UAB Rec Center three times a week for an hour.  I will meet with the dietitian once a month, and follow a specific diet plan 5 days out of the week.

R- Relevant

Does this goal matter to you? Does it fit in with the rest of your life and your daily schedule?  Does it align with your personal and financial goals?

Example: Yes, this goal is important to me because I am overweight and I am more at risk for chronic disease.  It fits into my life because I am able to get the rec center every day after work.  Losing weight will help decrease my medical expenses and therefore will help me achieve my financial goals as well.

T- Timely

How much time will it take to achieve this goal?

Example: I will lose 10 pounds in 6 months or by July 1^st.

THE END RESULT:

I WANT TO LOSE 10 POUNDS OVER THE NEXT 6 MONTHS IN ORDER TO BE HEALTHIER, FEEL BETTER, AND LOOK BETTER. I WILL WORK OUT THREE TIMES (WALKING OR SWIMMING) AT THE REC CENTER A WEEK FOR 1 HOUR, MEET WITH A DIETITIAN ONCE A MONTH, AND FOLLOW A DIET PLAN 5 DAYS OUT OF THE WEEK.

Need more help? email uabrecnutrition@gmail.com or call us at 205-996-4885.