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4 Tips for Reaching Your Nutritional Goals

4 Tips for Reaching Your Nutritional Goals

How many times have you set nutritional goals, got super excited and motivated, then quickly went back to your old ways? Setting goals is the easy part; it's sticking to your health goals that can be hard. It's so easy to let the excitement of a new goal fall to the back of your mind once you realize how hard it will be to achieve. Giving up is always easier but the satisfaction of meeting your health goals is unlike any other. Living a long and healthy life is important, so here are a few of the top tips to help you stick to your nutritional goals.

Start With a Clear Goal

Making goals is exciting, but don't go too overboard when setting nutritional goals. Instead of having a million vague goals that sets you up for failure from the very start, begin with a single S.M.A.R.T goal. A smart goal should contain five very important characteristics:

·         Specific

·         Meaningful and Measureable

·         Attainable

·         Realistic and Relevant

·         Time-Bound

An example of a S.M.A.R.T nutritional goal would be to eliminate soda and caffeinated beverage from your diet in 2 weeks. Once you have reached your first goal, you can make another one and work towards that. One main goal at a time will make the whole process a lot less overwhelming and a lot more doable when first starting out.

Have a Support Group

Although it may seem like a good idea to keep your nutritional goals to yourself, having a circle of support can make all the difference in whether you reach your goal or not. Not only will having a support group help encourage you to keep going, but also it will hold you accountable. You're much less likely to order a soda or extra piece of cake when you're out with the girls if they know you're trying to get healthy.

Drink Lots of Water

No matter what your nutritional goals may be, success starts with a steady intake of fluid. Water is essential for health, but it can also be your number one tool in mindful eating. Often our body mistakes thirst for hunger, leading us to reach for unhealthy snack food when all we really need is a glass of water. If you have trouble drinking plenty of water, consider switching it up with a glass of hot green tea occasionally.

Celebrate Small Successes

It's important that you reward yourself when you reach a nutritional goal. This can encourage you to keep going, leading you to reaching optimal health. Of course being healthy is a reward in itself, but small rewards like a new yoga mat, outfit to wear to Reformation Pilates, or manicure are a fun way to reward yourself for sticking to your plan.

What are you waiting for? Start working towards your nutritional goals today and you'll feel like an entirely new person before you know it.