Best Way To Lose Weight; FitDad Way
I have never been in control of my health the way I have been in the past few weeks (12 weeks now). Before I started, I used to run 2/3 kilometres off and on. I have lost some weight, gained it back, lose it and gain it back. This has been going on since 2012.
It is 2017 now. I found the missing link and I have been consistent since then. How did I do it? What can you learn?

Set SMART Fitness Goals
S — Specific , M — Measurable, A — Achievable, R — Realistic, T — Time Bound.
The first goal I set was to lose 6 kg and keep it off. I realised it in two months. What helped me achieve it was the plan I made and how I sticked to the plan.
My first question to you if you set a new year resolution at the beginning of the year (we are more than halfway gone now), paid an expensive gym membership fee, bought dumbbells, running shoe and a host of other fitness equipments but have failed at achieving your goal is, was your goal SMART?
It is possible your goal was not realistic — gain six packs in 90 days. Imagine setting this goal and you have pot belly, still drink beer, eat late night and eat unhealthy (perhaps you are not sure what the healthy alternatives are and if we have them in Nigeria. Yes, we do. I never knew before). For your goal to be realistic, you need to know what is possible and the right time frame as well as what you are to do to achieve it.
In my own case, here are the SMART goals I set and how I have been following through:
- Fitness goal: lose 6 Kg. I was weighing 76 Kg when I set the goal.
- Support: My colleague was also working on losing some weight and we provided support for each other. I bought Fitbit Alta and bought one for my wife so that she can provide support to me.
- Support group: I joined a support group on WhatsApp. From this support group, I got peer review and feedback on all I do — food, drinks and my lifestyle in general, plus a fitness and health coach was in the group as well. This group helps me to be accountable — posted step goal for the day at the end of the day, shared the meal I have had, suggest ways I can make healthy meal plans. I had to go hunt for fruit to eat after my meal on a certain day as that was the group task for the day. If I was working alone, I probably would have relapsed a long time ago.
- Get a coach: If you are very busy like me, it is possible you do not have the time to research all you need to do to live a healthy lifestyle that will help you achieve your fitness goal. So, get a coach. The coach should be an experienced one that has proven track record who will help you fine tune your fitness goal, calculate your BMI (body mass index) and develop a meal plan that suits your BMI and your goal.
- Love my body: I had a goal, to lose 6 KG. But I did not despise my current body. I loved it and took care of it while working towards my goal.
- Celebrate small wins: I noticed I have started shedding some weight when I went back by one belt hole. I was so happy that I could not contain it. I bought a scale and weigh myself once in a while.
- Registered in a gym: I registered in a gym and planned visiting the gym 3 times in a week. In the mornings or evening. Truth is, it has been too months and I have not been very consistent. But I am not giving up. I am seeing the result in the muscles that are building and I have now attained my target weight — 60 KG.
- Repeat step 1 to 7
New Goal
I have a new goal I have set for myself now. I want to lose the belly fat and develop a stronger core, 6 packs and a well toned and ripped body muscle. Fit Dad was borne out of these goals. I will document my progress here and share lessons I am learning along the way. Hoping this will help Fit Dad fans and we can both achieve our fitness goals.
Fit Dad is going to be a community of people who want to make keeping fit and healthy a lifestyle. It could look tough at the beginning, but it gets easier and the reward justifies all the work.
Need help setting your fitness goal?
Do you need help setting your fitness goal? Feel free to talk to me. Shoot me an email at fitlifefitdad@gmail.com or just send me a DM on Instagram or twitter: FitLifeFitDad
