Weight Loss Information -- Setting Effective Goals
Weight loss information is often confusing and misleading. The more specific we are in discussing weight loss information the better it is for everyone. Here's an example...realistic goals. What are realistic goals? I wrote an article not to long ago that defined "realistic" as a 5-10% reduction of your total body weight. The 5-10% reduction is all the weight you need to lose to show a health benefit or improvement. But I think there is a more specific term that can be used when disseminating weight loss information, specifically dieting goals. How about Effective Goals. What are effective goals? Effective goals are: 1) Specific and measurable
2) Attainable
3) Forgiving "Exercise more" is a great idea, but it's not specific. "Walk 1 hour everyday" is specific and measurable, but is it attainable? Maybe, maybe not. "Walk 1 hour 3 times per week" is a great goal. It's specific, measurable, attainable, and forgiving (leaves room to miss a day). A behavioral technique, called shaping, utilizes this concept of effective goals, but makes it even better. It uses only small short-term goals that get closer and closer to the ultimate goal. It is based on the concept that "nothing succeeds like success." Shaping uses two important behavioral principles: 1) Consecutive goals that move you ahead in small steps are the best way to reach a distant point. 2) Consecutive rewards help to keep you motivated. I am going to start using Effective Goals instead of "realistic ones." So, your weight loss information for the day...set effective goals and "shape" them. To Healthy Living! Michael A. Smith, MD
Weight Loss Professional Dr. Smith is the primary physician and consultant for the Weight Loss Professional Website. His interests include preventative medicine, the genetic etiology of obesity, and several others too numerous to list. Please visit his Website at http://www.weight-loss-professional.com/article and let him know what you think.
MORE RESOURCES:
Arizona Power Yoga offers Yoga with a kickKOLD-TV, AZ - 3 hours agoIf you're tight and lack overall flexibility, the last thing you should attempt is yoga, right? Wrong. At least, according the owner of the new Arizona ... |
Martha's Vineyard Magazine |
Finding your yogaMartha's Vineyard Magazine, MA - 5 hours agoJust like Goldilocks trying to find the right porridge and bed, this writer had to sample different styles of yoga before settling into a groove that worked ... |
Princess Cruises unveils yoga for kidsUSA Today - Aug 28, 2008Still, yoga for kids? That's the Big New Thing this week at Princess Cruises, which announced it is rolling out what it bills as the industry's first yoga ... |
The Australian |
Healthy habitatsThe Australian, Australia - 4 hours agoOrder personal meditation and yoga instructors; yoga mats and well-being DVDs are provided. Guests are encouraged to co-design bespoke detox meals with the ... |
Karate, yoga offered for special needs kidsABC7Chicago.com, USA - 16 hours agoKarate and yoga both focus on building core strength, flexibility and balance. "Yoga from a more calming, relaxation aspect and karate from a little more ... |
DNC Bloggers Choose Yoga, Not CheetosU.S. News & World Report, DC - Aug 27, 2008They're twittering away in the "Big Tent," an 8000-square-foot structure with morning yoga sessions and late-afternoon happy hours. ... |
YMCA yoga class begins at Camp YomechasMiddleboro Gazette, MA - Aug 28, 2008MIDDLEBORO — The YMCA's Fall I 2008 session of yoga begins Thursday, Sept. 11. A new meditation class will be offered from 6-7 pm, and All Levels Yoga ... |
Yoga - Google News
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