Setting Realistic Goals
Had a setback? Keep temporary slip-ups in perspective, and don't give in to negative feelings
Nobody's perfect
People in weight management programs often think about things in ways that don’t help them. Some thoughts that can trip them up include expecting too much, being upset when they don’t do something perfectly, letting small mistakes build up, and getting discouraged. But this kind of thinking only gets in the way of progress and can make a person feel defeated. Even worse, thoughts like this can be hard to change.
Negative feelings and overreacting to not meeting your expectations can lead to setbacks. It’s hard enough to control your eating and physical activity without the extra burden of negative thoughts and feelings. But, you can change the way you respond to these situations by setting realistic goals and expectations. This way, if you don’t meet your goals on some days, you will be able to cope with temporarily falling short.
Don't overreact to setbacks
Keeping this strategy in mind and keeping a positive attitude can make a big difference. Staying upbeat and keeping a positive attitude can help you make progress toward your weight-loss goal.