6 Steps to a Healthier You - Step 1

Step 1 - Set Goals

Make plans to eat better, move more!

Here are some tips to help you achieve step 1:

Smart Goals

Making changes towards a healthy lifestyle is easier if you can make "SMART" goals.  Use the following "SMART" guidelines when setting goals.

• Specific - Determine what you are going to do and how.
• Measurable - Your progress can be measured.
• Attainable - It is within your reach, not an impossible dream.
• Realistic - Should be possible to complete and within your ability.
• Time Frame - Allow enough time to reach your goal.

Enjoy the health benefits of physical activity

Physical activity helps to:

• promote weight loss and maintenance
• lower blood sugars and decrease insulin resistance
• lower blood fat levels (cholesterol and triglycerides)
• control blood pressure
• maintain healthy muscles, bones and joints
• relieve anxiety and depression

Make a goal to increase your activity throughout the day

Every bit counts.  Accumulating 60 minutes of activity every day can help you to stay healthy or improve your health.  Use a pedometer to count your steps.  Try to add more steps each day with your goal being 10,000 steps per day.  Get off the bus early and take the stairs instead of the elevator. 

Make weight loss goals realistic

A 5-10 % weight loss can result in large health benefits including improved blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugars.  Use Body Mass Index (BMI), a ratio of your weight to height, and waist circumference to identify if you are at increased risk of developing health problems because of your body weight or shape.

Strive to eat breakfast every day

Breakfast skippers often overeat during the rest of the day; a habit which may lead to extra body weight.  If you eat most of your calories later in the day, you have less opportunity to spend the energy consumed. Breakfast has become even more important for families.  Parents who are looking for ways to regain control of their family life can claim breakfast as a time to be together with their children.

Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)