These five factors are key in helping you meet the nutrition goals you set for yourself when you sign up to a challenge.
Specific goals beat vague resolutions.
Specific health challenges are more likely to inspire you to set clear, realistic and achievable goals. The more direction you have the more likely you are to arrive at a successful destination.
Plan, plan, plan
Planning is the number one key to success! Planning your path makes your journey more manageable, it prepares you for potential barriers that may crop up. You can boost your success with health goals by thinking ahead about any likely barriers, and having strategies prepared to overcome them. Such as keeping a piece of fruit in your desk drawer or bag, for something to grab quickly if you get hungry (so you don’t head to the vending machine).
Acknowledging the journey
Change is a journey and making changes is not black and white. If you focus too much on the end goal (I want to eat less take away) and forget to allocate the right amount of time to plan the steps, then you can lose momentum. Change is a massive undertaking, and at times overwhelming. Take the time for small changes (like making homemade pizza rather than buying takeaway one night a week) to lead to long-lasting results. The change journey can also mean encountering setbacks. View setbacks as opportunities for learning and personal growth rather than failures.
Self-awareness
Self-awareness is a powerful tool when trying to make changes in your eating habits. Try to identify your long-held habits and make plans to gradually address changes you would like to make to these habits. Awareness of areas such as how the food you are eating can affect your mood, or how emotions can affect your food intake can pave the way for change and growth.
Maintain positivity and celebrate progress.
A positive mindset builds resilience and persistence. These are important for helping you achieve your nutrition goals. Being positive also helps to build your confidence and notice the smallest achievements. Recognise and celebrate your progress along the way - this will fuel your motivation to keep going.
By focusing on specific goals, challenges equip you to overcome setbacks and achieve meaningful changes in your eating habits.
