Setting Realistic Goals

1. Set Realistic Goals - Don't strive for perfection or an improbable goal that can't be met. Focus instead on increasing healthy behaviors. In simpler terms, it doesn't matter if you can't run an entire 5K just yet. Make it a habit to walk 15 minutes a day, and add time, distance, and intensity from there.

2. Set Attainable Weight-Loss Goals - In general, the higher your body fat percentage, the faster you'll be able to lose fat. As your body fat and weight decreases, and gradually approaches healthier levels, your progress will slow. Generally, a modest and realistic goal would be to lose about one percent of your body weight each week. Take a look at your goal weight, and then make sure it is attainable within your planned time frame.

3. Set Yourself up for Quick Wins - No matter how ambitious your goal is, creating smaller, more attainable milestones on the path to your larger goal can prevent you from getting overwhelmed by the work ahead of you. For example, assessing where you need to position your calorie threshold to lose weight can help you with achieving a daily calorie target. You can also set goals for the amount of cardio you accomplish in a week as an attainable milestone. Once you meet your early milestones, you will gain the confidence and motivation to move toward more ambitious milestones.

4. Make Realistic Dietary Goals - Making smart decisions about what and how much you eat is critical to healthy weight loss. Incorporate a variety of lower-fat foods in your diet and be conscious of the nutrients you are getting from your food. Also, be mindful of your calories and remember that low-fat foods can still be high-calorie. 

5. Make a decision about the importance of exercise in your life - Decide to make time for exercise. To reap real benefits, you need to exercise at least three to four times per week, at least 30 – 40 minutes per session. Be tough on yourself: only you can make the decision to either improve or neglect your health and your body.