Do you ever get into the mode of looking up crazy things like “how to lose 10lbs in one week?” knowing it’s unrealistic. Yet, we do it anyway because we see a sprint not a marathon in our goals. We want the results quick and fast. However, you may see results fast but it’s not always in a healthy way. The best way to set goals that help you see results in the long run:

1. Get more active. It doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon each week. Just walk a little more outside. Take your dog on a walk, take your kids on a walk..just do something that helps you stay more active!
2. Don’t look at other people and want to be them. That isn’t healthy. If you have been at the weight you want to be at again, find those old pics of yourself and motivate yourself with yourself. If you have never been at the weight you want to be at..imagine how you would feel when you are there and let that be your motivation. I love the song “Me VS Me” and listen to it on repeat in the gym because it motivates me to realize the only person stopping me is me. (Ps. Not 100% sure that song has that exact meaning but from the name of it that’s how I interpret it and it motivates me so lol).
3. My #1 regret in the beginning of my weight loss is counting calories because if we are being honest, I still have a bad relationship with food after a whole year of stopping. I’ve slipped up a few times in between there and counted but hated every second of it.. I would say the best thing to do is to eat whole foods and not necessarily worry about how many calories your intaking as long as the majority of your food is whole vegetables, fruits, and lean meats! I am not neglecting counting calories and I’m not saying I’ll never do it again..some people just can’t do it because they become obsessed with it and that was me. Therefore, I am staying away until I feel like I can do it without being obsessive over it.
4. Measurements over the scale. TAKE MEASUREMENTS! I just started this and I was so surprised that my measurements are such a better representation than the scale. I still fit in the jean shorts I wore last year but the scale says I gained 10 lbs. Exactly how do I still fit in them if they were tight 10 lbs ago?? Because muscle weighs more than fat!!
5. If you have a particular event in mind, give yourself a six month in an advance time frame. DO NOT try to fit into some dress a week out by doing an egg only diet. That is insane and not healthy. 6 months is a good timeframe to be able to accomplish a good bit of your goals.
6. Do not be scared to fail. You will fail. You will do so good and then you’ll eat 4 donuts that totally knock out your hard work for the day but that is ONE day. Just get up the next morning and be better!