| Setting Nutrition Goals
Are you interested in making changes to your diet but don't know where to start? Do you have a hard time reaching the goals that you do set? You are not alone - it is difficult to make lifestyle changes. But there are a few pointers to help you be successful.
Set a Specific, Reasonable, Measurable Goal
The most common mistake that people make is to set several difficult goals at once. Then, when the goal is not met, they feel discouraged and give up. The best approach is to set one large goal.
Learn from Your Mistakes
No one is perfect. If you have a setback, try to determine why and learn from the experience
WHEN YOU'RE TRYING TO CHANGE YOUR DIETARY HABITS, REMEMBER TO CELEBRATE
Choose a Reward
It is important to designate some type of daily or weekly reward for meeting your goals. We often punish ourselves for not meeting our goals but never reward ourselves when we are successful. It can be anything, from going to the movies to going camping for the weekend. But, if you aren't successful, withhold the reward until you are.
EVEN SMALL SUCCESSES AND GIVE YOURSELF CREDIT WHEN YOU DO MAKE HEALTHY
FOOD CHOICES! 
Sometimes, one of the hardest parts of making a change in our lives is sticking with it over the long term. It's all too easy to get discouraged and just to give up. When it comes to eating, there are so many temptations around us every day. Continuing to make healthy food choices each day may seem overwhelming at times.
But you can do it! Here are a couple tips to make it easier:
Support
Ask your friends and family for support with your new challenges.
Optimistic
Keep your thoughts focused on the positive.
Food Journal
Once the goals are met, you can set three more, until the large goal is met. It may be helpful to write down your goal and put it on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror as a reminder Make written meal plans to help guide your food choices.
Healthy Eating
Fruits and vegetables are part of a well-balanced and healthy eating plan. There are many different ways to lose or maintain a healthy weight. Using more fruits and vegetables along with whole grains and lean meats, nuts, and beans is a safe and healthy one. Helping control your weight is not the only benefit of eating more fruits and vegetables. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancer and other chronic diseases. Fruits and vegetables also provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and other substances that are important for good health.
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To lose weight, you must eat fewer calories than your body uses. |
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This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to eat less food. You can create lower-calorie versions of some of your favorite dishes by substituting low-calorie fruits and vegetables in place of higher-calorie ingredients. The water and fiber in fruits and vegetables will add volume to your dishes, so you can eat the same amount of food with fewer calories. Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories and are filling. |
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