Goal Setting for Weight Management

As part of the Weight Loss and Nutrition Program, patients work with a health coach to create three separate and compelling goals during each visit. Each goal is considered an important step on the journey towards weight loss, and will be based on either dietary, physical activity, or behavioral objectives. While these goals stem from different categories, they are all working towards the same purpose and overall goal of weight loss and a healthier lifestyle.

In creating a plan to lose weight, patients will be create a new dietary goal each week. This goal may revolve around how many calories to consume, eating more of a nutrient dense food, or avoiding a food that doesn’t have nutritional benefit. This acts as the primary goal because diet will have the biggest impact on desired weight loss. A health coach can share information on goal setting to assist in making goals that are specific, realistic, and achievable.

In working towards better health, it is vital to also make a goal for exercise and physical activity. Diet and exercise are partners in weight loss and it is important to incorporate both into daily life. An example goal may be based on how many times during a week one plans to go to a gym or recreation center or attending a fitness class, or could be founded on how many steps to take each day during daily walks. Daily physical activity will not only assist in the weight loss process but will aid in better mental health, self image and confidence, and overall health.

This goal will be an important part of the program, because it will revolve around changing unhealthy behaviors that may be hindering your weight loss progress, or creating a new healthy behavior that will help you achieve your weight loss destination. A behavioral goal may be working to detect emotional eating or being true to your hunger and fullness signals, or paying attention to portion sizes.

Each of these goals should be S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely, or tied to a deadline.) Incorporating these characteristics into goal making will assist in creating weight loss and weight maintenance for life.

 

We understand that everyone’s weight loss needs are different, and that’s why our healthcare providers and coaches address your individual concerns to help you reach your weight loss goals.