Last Updated Nov 2012
Everyday a new program is added to the FDA’s database of over 30,000 different diets. Yet over 34 million people are listed as obese. Where is the disconnect? The answer lies not only in the fact that most commercial weight loss programs are designed to fail, but also that most people who use them are not prepared to lose weight and keep it off.
Preparation begins with goal setting and ends with beginning the process of actually losing the weight. Therapy professionals, if you get this part right, you are guaranteed success!
Set Specific Weight Loss Goals
Goals are important to your program’s success because they help you focus your time and energy on the areas that count. You can’t just say, “I want to lose weight,” you have to state how much weight you intend to lose.
This is where you can sabotage the whole process. It’s really not about how much weight you want to lose, it’s about how much weight you are able to lose in a set period of time.
How Much and How Fast
By following a nutritious diet and committing to a consistent program like physical therapy exercise, you can expect to drop a healthy ½-2 pounds per week. Anything more and you’re asking for trouble. If you drop it fast, it comes back faster and hangs around longer.
Write it Down and Break it Down
Write your goals down. It’s important to also break them down into mini, bite-size pieces that you can achieve to get in shape. Losing weight is hard enough without setting goals that are so high and out of reach that you actually set yourself up for failure.
If you have 50 pounds to lose, it will take you a minimum of six months of following your weight loss program generously to achieve it. Start out with a goal of five pounds, reach it, reward yourself and then move on to the next five pounds. Remember, you can eat a whole elephant one bite at a time.
Stay Positive
When creating your weight loss goals, keep them positive and say, “I will” rather than “I won’t.” By doing this, you are training your subconscious mind to work for what you want to happen. Negative goals make you feel as if you’re missing out on something rather than achieving something great.
Review, Review, Review
Write your goals in complete detail. Tell yourself exactly what you want and then break them down to tell yourself exactly how you will achieve them. But, don’t stop there, you must review your goals every single day.
- Put them on note cards and place them on your bathroom mirror.
- Set up daily reminders in your mail program or PDA.
You will start to see your goals take shape, getting closer and closer until you accomplish them. How great is that?
Even though many weight loss programs fail every day, yours doesn’t have to be one of them. You now have the keys to take charge and be successful on your weight loss journey. What are you waiting for, therapists? Let’s get started!
Need tools to help you implement your new “Get in Shape” program? Visit www.optimumbodysculpting.com to get free tools to help your patients get in shape and stay that way!
About the Author: Carol Dunlop is certified through FiTour as a Personal Trainer and through the American Red Cross as a CPR, AED and First Aid Instructor. She has competed and placed in several Fitness America and National Bodybuilding competitions. To receive your Free E-course “How to Burn Calories While you Sleep,” log on to www.optimumbodysculpting.com.
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