Weight loss is an important health goal for those who are overweight or obese, especially when diagnosed with diabetes. Excess weight with diabetes can increase your risk for health complications.
Weight loss with healthful eating and activity is beneficial towards improving your diabetes control and reducing your risk of health complications.
If you find yourself getting off track with your weight loss goals, try one of these simple tips to get back on track.
1. Define or redefine your inner motivation.
Write down your reasons for wanting to lose weight. Look within to determine the driving factors behind your desire for weight loss. Keep your reasons for wanting to lose weight in a visible area to stay on track or to help you get back on track.
2. Conduct an honest evaluation of your eating habits and activity level.
Has your activity level decreased? Is your activity routine less structured? Are you less aware of your food choices? Have you been treating yourself more often? It may even be worthwhile to track your food intake or your activity level to identify any opportunities for improvement. Once you notice something you would like to change, create a SMART goal.
3. Set, evaluate, and repeat SMART goals each week.
Set a specific goal that is measurable, achievable, and realistic. Then evaluate your goal progress each week. SMART goals are small, actionable steps that identify what you will do each week to attain your weight loss goal. Focus your efforts on positive, enjoyable changes that you will look forward to each week. For example, I will increase my vegetable servings to 2 servings each day by adding an additional vegetable at lunch and dinner.
For more tips on how to get started with weight loss for diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association section on getting started with weight loss.