There are a multitude of studies that reveal that when members of law enforcement make significant changes in their mental and physical health, their quality of life is greatly impacted both on and off duty. An increase in health while on the job also leads to the reduction of cardiovascular diseases even post-career. Changing your heath means changing your life, which can be incredibly daunting to members of law enforcement and civilians alike.
Setting achievable heath goals is easy with a few time-honored tricks that are recommended by nutritional professionals and trainers alike. These tips will make changing your life seem less like a chore and more like a challenge, allowing you to see results and stay focused on achieving and maintaining an end goal.
Be Realistic About Your Health Goals
It can be hard to feel good about the work you are doing if you aren’t achieving your goals. However, make sure those goals are sensible. One of the easiest way to get discouraged when starting a weight loss journey is having unrealistic goals or expectations. Trying to achieve something that is impossible or unfeasible will only make you want to give up early on.
One of the best ways to ensure your goals are measurable and achievable is to undergo metabolic testing, which will reveal how many calories your body needs to maintain your current weight. This can be a great first step when it comes to creating your goals. While it varies from person to person, when it comes to losing weight, the CDC recommends losing no more than 1-2 pounds per week.
Hold Yourself Accountable To Your Plans…
Setting a goal is pointless if you don’t plan on actually achieving it. That’s why finding a way to hold yourself accountable for your actions is key. For some people, keeping physical, written records of your training and progress makes them more concrete. For others, a reward system is a great motivator. No matter which method you choose, find a way to keep this promise to yourself.
…But Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
While it’s good to hold yourself accountable when it comes to your health plan and weight loss goals, don’t burn yourself out or take it too far. Frustration and disappointment aren’t great motivators, so sometimes taking it easy on yourself is the best way to ensure you have a steady and successful weight loss journey.
If you planned on going to the gym but are feeling under the weather, a lighter workout is better that skipping it entirely and beating yourself up for getting off track. Similarly, if you slip up when it comes to your diet, consider that your “cheat day” and pickup the next morning right where you left off. Allowing yourself a little leeway can make a huge difference.
Make it a Team Effort
Sometimes all you need to achieve your goals is a great support system. Whether you decide to join a running group, find a friend to accompany you to the gym, or rely on an online community, making other people aware of your goals and making your progress transparent is a great way to ensure you are meeting and achieving your health goals.