Food & Fitness

Are you ready to lose weight? You’ll boost your chances for success by making a realistic, achievable plan. Remember to pick a few realistic goals – maybe start with one change in your diet and one physical activity change.

Remember to take it one step at a time, and to stay patient. Permanent weight loss won’t happen over night! Make your plan as specific as possible. Use the outline below as a guide.

Where am I now?

Example: I am 40 poinds over my desired weight.

Here’s what I’ll do to start:

Example:

1. I’ll take a brisk walk 5 days a week for half of my lunch hour (30 minutes).
2. I’ll switch to diet soda and water instead of drinking regular soda and sweet tea.

Here’s when I’ll do it:

Example:

1. I’ll walk after eating during the second half of my lunch hour at work.
2. Every meal – and between.

Here’s what I need to get ready:

Example:

1. I’ll need comfortable walking shoes.
2. I’ll need to buy diet sodas.

This might get in the way of my plan:

Example:

1. If it’s raining, I won’t be able to walk outside.
2. I might run out of diet soda.

If that happens, I’ll do this instead:

Example:

1. I’ll go to the recreation center and walk around inside.
2. I’ll plan ahead to make sure that I don’t run out or I can drink water instead.

Here’s when I’ll start:

Example: I’ll start working toward both of these goals on Monday.

Here’s how I’ll reward myself (try to stay away from rewards that involve food):

Example: I’ll go to the movies if I stick to my plan for the next month.

Once you’ve reached your first goals, set more!

Example of next steps:

• I will walk for 40 minutes instead of just 30 minutes, 5 days a week.
• I will change my afternoon snack from cookies to fruit.