How to Write a Time Plan for Foods & Nutrition

Though the weight loss battle is often decided on plan compliance, it's possible to lose the fight before you even begin. Poorly constructed diet plans can inhibit progress, making it difficult to reach your goals despite your dedication. Avoid this common pitfall by practicing good time management for nutrition, setting reasonable goals and a reasonable time frame for completion.

Set Your Goal

Establish an overarching objective for your nutritional plan. Avoid vague goals such as "lose fat" or "gain muscle." Set quantifiable goals such as "lose 20 pounds" or "fit into a size X dress." Make your overall goal concrete.

How to Write a Time Plan for Foods & Nutrition

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Set a realistic time frame for achieving your goal. Expect to lose roughly one or two pounds per week. So, if you're determined to lose 20 pounds, expect it to take from 10-20 weeks.

Break your overall goal down into "mini-goals," with corresponding dates for completion. For example, if you want to drop 20 pounds in three months, one of your mini-goals should be to lose at least 10 pounds in six weeks. Setting and keeping track of small goals will make your time plan more manageable and let you know if you're on schedule.

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Beware of drastic calorie cutting at the start. A pound of weight is 3,500 calories, so you have to create a 3,500 calorie deficit per week (just 500 per day) to stay on pace. Incorporate small caloric deficits (200-300 calories per day) combined with an additional 200-300 calories from exercise. You can reduce your intake again by 200-300 calories when your weight-loss efforts stall, but not before then.