How to Set Realistic and Sustainable Health Goals by Dr. Ishani Patel

Creating sustainable health goals is key to long-term optimal health and wellness. The first step is ask yourself what does the healthy YOU look like?

What does this person look like? How does she feel waking up every day? What is her lifestyle like? What are habits you have as your healthiest self? This step doesn’t just allow you to envision the person you want to become, but it also provides you the opportunity to picture a reality where maintaining a healthy lifestyle does not feel like a chore; but instead, a tangible and fulfilling lifestyle.

That person you want to become is the star you are reaching for in the sky. You have a goal, so let’s talk about how to reach that star. The roadmap to get there is just as important as the end goal itself. Creating that roadmap and all the steps, make it a structured unique pathway suited for you.

Now that we know what your healthiest self looks like, the next step is to create tangible goals. With every goal you set, you want to make sure you can measure your progress. Whether it is weight changes, energy, or bowel movements, ensure your objectives are measurable to help you stay motivated on continuing your health journey.

With these goals, you create several little goals on this roadmap. These little goals are less intimidating and more achievable. It is so much easier to think of losing 1 lb/week than losing 30 lbs in 1 month. Your goals are doable, and you can now celebrate all of these little wins on your wellness journey.

Next is making sure these goals are realistic and that they fit your lifestyle. Your lifestyle is unique, and that is why your goals need to be unique as well. It also allows you to implement these goals in your day to day life, balancing work with your personal life, and optimizing both of these aspects of your lifestyle. Creating these realistic goals helps you stay on that roadmap, despite obstacles that may come in the way.

So now you have a picture of what your healthiest self looks like, you have determined what that roadmap to your healthiest self looks like, you have created tangible goals that are realistic and measurable, and you have the dedication to start this journey; so, what are you waiting for? Let’s start your health journey together!

Dr. Ishani Patel is a board certified Naturopathic Doctor practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She has taken a clinical interest in women’s health, fertility, endometriosis, hormonal imbalances, gastrointestinal health, fibromyalgia, and autoimmune-related concerns. Dr. Ishani has always believed that with commitment, education, and encouragement, the body can repair itself back to a state of health and wellness. She utilizes a combination of traditional medicine with evidence based medicine, to put all the puzzle pieces together and determine the root cause of your health concerns.

Ultimately, she is dedicated to assisting her patients in achieving their health goals, establishing a long-term plan for wellness, and helping them feel like their best selves!

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