- Write down why you want to be healthy. Is it something that will propel you forward?
- If you have health issues, check with your doctor before designing your plan.
- Research various eating plans that might work for you to become healthy.
- Decide what kind of exercise you will do, how often, how long, what time of the day. Make a schedule and keep it.
- Write down what steps you will take to become healthy.
- Decide what one step you will take toward becoming healthy beginning right now. It doesn’t have to be a world-changing step, just one you know you will do and continue to implement over your lifetime.
- Decide what step you will take after that and when you might be willing to do that step.
- Brainstorm about a possible buddy who will join you on the journey and keep you accountable while you keep them accountable. Invite them to be your buddy.
- Make a contract with yourself such as what your goals are and what you will do to reach your goals. Determine to keep your agreement with yourself.
- When you fail such as eat something not on your plan or don’t exercise, don’t stop your program. Just remind yourself to start again.
Teresa Shields Parker is a Christian weight loss author, coach, podcaster, and speaker, who has lost 250 pounds and kept it off since 2013. Her books include: “Reconnecting Jayne: Her Sister’s Support,” “Rebuilding Jayne: Her Father’s Protection,” “Sweet Grace: How I Lost 250 Pounds and Stopped Trying to Earn God’s Favor,” “Sweet Grace Study Guide,” “Sweet Victory: Winning the Battle,” “Sweet Surrender: Breaking Strongholds,” “Sweet Journey to Transformation: Practical Steps to Lose Weight and Live Healthy”, “Sweet Freedom: Losing Weight and Keeping It Off With God’s Help,” “Sweet Freedom Study Guide,” “Sweet Change: True Stories of Transformation,” “Sweet Hunger: Developing an Appetite for God,” and “Sweet Excuses: Stop Lying to Yourself & Start Losing Weight.” She also offers Overcomers Christian Weight Loss Academy and VIP intensive coaching. Don’t miss her weekly podcast, Sweet Grace for Your Journey, where she shares tips from her personal journey of losing weight and discovering healthy living. Contact her at [email protected].