Progress Over Perfection: January is Healthy Weight Awareness Month

When the new year rolls around, it often brings renewed desire to work on our health goals, especially those related to weight. The energy of the new year can be great motivation to jumpstart your personal health journey but diving into new routines too quickly and without a clear plan can quickly burn you out. Here are some tips to help you set safe weight-loss goals that you can stick to in 2025!

Remember Your Why

One of the best ways to stay motivated to continue any life change is to remember the important reasons why you are doing it. Some commonly listed benefits of maintaining a healthy weight include better management of conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, less pressure on your joints, and higher daily energy levels. But your reasons for changing your weight don’t have to be the same as anyone else’s! Mayo Clinic recommends creating a health vision statement with the phrase “I want to ___, so ___.” Some examples could include: “I want to maintain a healthy weight so I can continue doing the physical hobbies I enjoy.” or “I want to lose weight, so I have more energy to play with my kids every day.”

Find Community

Sticking to your goals is easier with support! Tell trusted friends or family members about your lifestyle changes and lean on them for encouragement. You can even make your inner circle part of your new routines, for example, by taking an exercise class with friends or cooking a new healthy recipe with your spouse every week. 

Be Specific but Reasonable

Many studies show that it is easier to stick to goals that are measurable, so adding numbers to your plan is a great start. For example, instead of saying “I will eat healthier,” you could try “I will cook a healthy dinner for myself at home 3 times a week.” However, setting your goals too high in the beginning can make you more likely to feel frustration and give up your plans. Deciding to quit drinking all sugary sodas when you’re used to drinking two a day is a big and difficult lifestyle change. But if you start by cutting down from two sodas a day to one a day, it could help ease the transition.

Talk to Your Doctor

When making any lifestyle changes, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional. Let your doctor know about your weight goals so they can help you make healthy decisions.