There are many weight loss programs and guidelines that promise rapid weight loss and substantial results. Although these programs can result in successful weight loss, patients often experience rebound weight gain after the completion of their program.
At Red Mountain, we view health as a lifestyle, not a quick fix. We focus on more than the weight loss its self — our goal is to provide our patients with the resources and knowledge necessary to continue leading a healthy lifestyle for a lifetime.
In order to successfully sustain your weight loss results, there are 3 imperative strategies patients should follow:
Use the S.M.A.R.T Goal Setting Format
Consistent goal-setting is important for maintaining motivation and staying on track with your health for a lifetime.
When setting goals, we recommend the S.M.A.R.T. format, which is an acronym to help you set goals in a way that makes them easier to achieve. S.M.A.R.T. stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.
Making goals that are specific entails establishing a goal that considers all steps involved in achieving said goal. These types of goals establish not only the “what,” but the “why” and “how”.
Measurable goals consider how you will determine success or failure. For instance, making a goal to “get fit” does not allow the goal-setter to have a definite idea of when they have achieved success. Instead, there should be an obvious point at which you can determine that you have achieved your goal.
Ex. “I want to lose 10 pounds,” or “I want to be able to do 10 push-ups”
A goal that is attainable is one which is realistic for you to accomplish.
For a goal to be relevant, it must be something that you find valuable enough to work towards accomplishing. Here, you will ask yourself, “is this goal worthwhile?”
Lastly, goals should always be time-bound — meaning that they have an established timeline for when you will achieve them. By establishing when you want to achieve your goal, you are more likely to stay motivated throughout the process.
Have a set plan
When losing weight, it is important to define your boundaries and plan of action.
Before embarking on your journey, be sure to set yourself up for success by choosing a weight loss program that is suitable for your lifestyle & goals. Furthermore, it is imperative that you work towards putting yourself in the proper mindset for losing weight.
Track your progress
In order to maintain your results, it is important to stay mindful of what you are doing and how you are progressing. As such, we recommend using a journal or app, such as the Red Mountain Weight Loss app, where you can track your weight progress and daily caloric intake.
By doing so, patients are more likely to notice patterns that cause them to see negative or positive results a it pertains to their weight loss journey.
For more guidance regarding how to lose weight, request a weight loss appointment online and meet with one of our licensed medical providers.
