Thursday, November 13, 2014

Have you been on your best behavior?

Ready…ACTION!

            Last entry, my head was spinning around all of the “what ifs”, “should”, “could”, how” of exercise and nutrition and my goals. Recognizing I had multiple OUTCOME goals but needed to decide on my BEHAVIOR goals.
            Outcome goals are goals that require action, or behaviors, in order to complete them.
                        Example:
                                    Outcome: I want to lose weight.
                                    Behaviors: Actions that are required in your life in order to make weight loss possible.

            So, what are some behavior goals that are important to a healthy lifestyle and can be implemented with multiple different outcome goals?

            In my experience and with the help of Precision Nutrition’s Level 1 Coach training, I typically discuss the following list of questions and BEHAVIOR goals associated with them:

            How to eat:
1.      How fast do you eat?
          a.       Example: weight loss: 20 minutes to full
2.      How full do you feel upon completing your meal and in the 0-4 hours after?
          a.       Example: Weight gain: 10 out of 10 on fullness scale. Ready to eat again in 3-4 hours.
3.      Do you eat every 2-4 hours throughout the day?
          a.       Take the number of hours you are awake, divide by 4 and eat a minimum of that many times a day. Preparation is key!
What to eat:
1.      Do you take a probiotic and multi-vitamin daily?
2.      Do you eat 1-2* palmfuls of lean protein with each eating opportunity?
          a.       Example: palm size portion of fish for lunch
3.      Do you eat 1-2* fistfuls of vegetables and/or fruit with each eating opportunity?
          a.       Example: fistful of spinach in homemade smoothy
4.      Do you eat 1-2* thumb lengths of heart healthy fats with most eating opportunity?
          a.       Example: Approximately 7 whole almonds
5.      Do you eat 0.5-2*cupped handfuls of whole grains with most eating opportunity? Or arranged appropriately for your goals?
          a.       Example: Whole grains are recommended first thing in the morning and immediately following exercise if your goals are fat loss.

*Portions vary based on gender and goals

            Other:
1.      Do you drink beverages with few calories and few ingredients?
          a.       Example: Water! Tea.
2.      Do you eat mostly whole, minimally processed foods?
3.      Do you plan ahead and prepare food in advance?
4.      Do you eat a wide variety of whole foods?
5.   Are you recording your intake?
6.      Are you consistent with the above recommended choices 90% of the time?
          a.       Key to success!
7.      How well do you sleep?

Although there are quite a few different things to focus on, pick one or 2 and CREATE A HABIT of remaining consistent with it BEFORE you add in more. One step at a time and before you know it, you’ll be able to stay consistent 90% of the time with all of the above!

If you would like assistance in getting started with your BEHAVIOR GOALS, the team of trainers at the Health & Fitness Academy would be thrilled to help you! Just contact us at 208-557-2823 to schedule your FREE 1 hour consultation!


Until next time,
Hayley E Jones, BS, CSCS, Pn1
208-557-2823

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