Putting the M in smart

When I first began my weight loss journey back in 2001, it involved a lot of measuring.  Probably more measuring of my food than anything.  I had planned some sort of weight goal in my head…probably something ridiculous like my 19 year old weight.  But as I got started on my journey I began measuring progress in more than just the pounds on the scale.  I would plan how far I would walk that day, I would have a back up plan for if I couldn't walk that day.  I logged how much water I drank, I estimated how many calories I was burning.  I wrote on the calendar how much I should weigh at the end of the week.  I was MEASURING my goals and didn't even realize it.  Long term is great, but short term is just as necessary.  

Let's make this focus on MEASURING progress, yay progress!!!  

Ask yourself how much.

  How much what? 

 I would ask this

How much effort do I put in?  How much do I eat?  How much do I burn? 

Very obviously, being a personal trainer, I can help you to figure all of this stuff out.  But if you are more of a trail blazer you can take advantage of the wealth of information out there.  Apps like My fitness pal, and Calorie count are just a couple.  Don't forget about the gadgets and gizmos we love!  

How many?  

How many days a week do I exercise?  How many calories a day do I consume?  How many calories do I want to burn a day?

How will I know when it is accomplished? 

This is something that points to the long term the big picture.  

So to keep with my goal for example purposes I will answer all of the above questions here.

I will put in maximum effort by keeping a food and exercise log reminding myself that it is okay to be uncomfortable.

I will eat 1500 calories on the days when I don't exercise, and 1700 on the days when I do

I will aim to burn at least 200 calories a day through exercise.

I want to lose 10 pounds in 5 weeks. 

I will know it is accomplished if the scale shows 10 pounds less on October 5th, than it was on September 1st.

Please keep in mind that this is an outline.  Once you get started there are so many variables to making this work.  I can think of so many as I write this out, but don't want this to become a novel.

Can you see how this can be motivating to stay on track?   

Stay tuned for ATTAINABLE.  Are your goals lofty yet attainable?