Are You Process or Results Oriented?
by Sue Roberts

You are interested in nutrition and improving your health, right? (I know this because you are reading this article!)

A thought to ponder...when it comes to your nutritional health, are you process or results
oriented?

Its important to know the difference.

What is the difference, you might be wondering?

I want to lose 10 pounds by next week! If only those jeans fit...I'll be into them next month!
Three days...if I stay under 500 calories a day, I can lose 5 pounds quick!

These are examples of a results oriented approach. You decide on an endpoint and then
adjust your choices to make it happen. Reaching the endpoint is your measure of either
success or failure.

A process oriented approach goes like this. Instead of sitting at my desk inside over the
lunch hour, this week I'm going to go outside and take a 30 minute walk and enjoy the
outdoors. When everyone goes to Dairy Queen after the game, I'll order a small vanilla
cone instead of my usual double chocolate fudge blizzard. I'll order my Starbuck's 'no whip'
this week .

See the difference? Keep in mind that the process oriented approach still has an ultimate goal...being healthier and dropping calories to lose weight.

When the emphasis is on the process instead of the result, there is more of a tendency to
blend changes right into your normal routine, rather than to decide where you are going to
be (10 pounds lighter by next week) and then tailor your actions and choices to get there.

This is why so many people become victims of false advertising. They take supplements
guaranteed to help them lose 25 pounds in 2 weeks or they try and follow the diets that
promise they will fit into those size 6 jeans next month.

The problem is, when the desired result isn't achieved in that week or two or whatever, discouragement and depression set in and ultimately the whole idea is scrapped...have you
ever drown your sorrows from dieting failure by wolfing down a bag of Ruffles or a box of chocolates?

Granted, the process oriented approach seems boring perhaps, not flashy and exciting...
but its do- able. You have more control over the situations and choices you make, thereby increasing the chances of ultimate success

Copyright  April 27, 2007  Sue Roberts, MPH MS RD/CN
As a certified nutritionist and registered dietitan for over 20 years, Sue is passionate about helping you become your healthiest ever! She provides completely confidential online nutrition counseling, wellness coaching and education services at www.YourOnlineNutritionist.com

Your Online Nutritionist
PO Box 4354
West Richland, WA 99353
ph: 509.392.2071
fax: 309.401.8759
sue@youronlinenutritionist.com