Accountability

In research, it is suggested that habit management benefits greatly from accountability.  If you have a goal, instead of just thinking about it...write it down.  Use SMART goals.  Make your goals Specific, Measurable, Action-based, Realistic, and Timely.  This model will increase the likelihood of your success.  The next step is to recruit social support.  If others know that you are trying to change and you know that, it is more likely that you will continue the process of change.  When people ask us about about habit change, we want to tell them some good news.  That motivation helps to deliver success.

In today's world of electronic data and gadgets, you can find a multitude of apps online and through your smart phone to help you.  I have begun using "Loseit".  I manage my profile online, but they do have a phone ap as well.  Regardless of how you keep track, it is very important that we log our food and activity to lose weight.  Considering that it is way easier to consume 1,000 calories (one adult fastfood meal) than to burn 1,000 (10 miles on the treadmill), we must be very congnizant of our eating paterns.  Most people underestimate how much they consume and over estimate how much they burn.  That is in part why we end up adding extra pounds over the years.

I know that many of you don't like counting calories or spend time being specific.  But consider logging an option if you struggle to manage your weight on your own.  "Loseit.com" has a great list of brand name foods and makes it easy to add your own creation.  So far, I have been looking forward to seeing how my choices are helping.