This is part of a series I’m writing called Motivated Mondays.  In order to be able to provide service to others including animals, we need to feel good about our bodies and keep them healthy.

We all know according to Steven Covey we are supposed to begin with the end in mind.  When it comes to fitness may people select an ideal number they would like to see on the scale.  Personally, I think this practice sets us up for failure and may not be the best way to care for your body.  For example, let’s say you weight 220 right now and you look at a weight chart and determine you should weigh 165LBs.  You begin working out and eating right but become very disappointed when your body stabilizes at 178LBs.  Despite the fact that you look great and you are in better shape than ever, you may be disappointed that you cannot get down to 165.   Unaware that muscle mass weighs more than fat, you begin to starve yourself so you can get to 165.  Whether you make 165 or not, starvation practices deplete muscles including the heart and can cause serious damage to your body.

Why not set kind but challenging goals such as I will eat three moderate and healthy meals with nothing in between and I will work out three times a week.  Then see what your body does.  If you are still not satisfied with the results after three months of serious efforts, see a dietician or work with a trainer.