Press Release

Release Date: July 8, 2010
HRCHC Contact: Communications Department
Telephone: (207) 861-3466
Email: Communications@HealthReach.org

To Lose Weight….Go for the small Goal

Believe it or not, goal-setting can be one of the most important strategies in losing weight. But instead of focusing on the big goal (“I want to lose 40 pounds”), focus on small weekly lifestyle changes that can add up to a healthier, lighter you. 

Here are four small steps that can help you achieve those big changes. 

Step 1:  Is losing weight something that you want to do and can do now? It is important to be ready to make changes. There are times when it is just not possible to focus on these lifestyle changes—school, children, or other life stressors can make it difficult to focus on you. Be sure that now is a good time for you.

Step 2: What are the small parts of making the change? Think about the specific steps you need to change your lifestyle, which usually means more exercise and healthier eating. If you think you want to walk more, this might mean first finding a good pair of shoes, a nice route and then finally going out and walking. Eating better might mean spending time looking for easy recipes and making sure you have time to go grocery shopping. Notice that there are many planning steps.

Step 3: Set small, specific goals, using your small steps.  For example, one week your goal might be: “Come up with exercises that I can do every other day.” Another week: “Find three healthy recipes to try.”

Step 4: Don’t give up! Make small, achievable action plans each week and find out what works for you. If problems arise, decide if you can solve them and then go for it again. You can do this!

By focusing on one small change at a time, you can succeed in losing weight and improving your health!

Thanks to Dani O’Rourke-Suchoff, AmeriCorps Member for article development.

For more guidance in losing weight, talk to your medical provider or go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/index.html

Bingham Area Health Center is a practice of HealthReach Community Health Centers, a system of eleven federally qualified health centers in Central and Western Maine. Dedicated providers deliver first-class health care to citizens in over 80 rural communities. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts major insurances as well as Medicare and MaineCare. In addition, uninsured and underinsured patients have access to an Affordable Care Program and assistance with applications for other programs that help with health care and medication costs. A private, non-profit organization celebrating 35 years of providing care, HealthReach is funded by patient fees, grants and individual donations. www.HealthReachCHC.org.