Setting and Realizing Weight Loss Goals

If your objective is to lose weight and maintain that loss permanently, then you should know that the way you approach your goal is the key to your success or failure. To approach your goals effectively, you must create your daily objectives and design strategies to implement your plan and analyze your progress. This analysis is crucial, because it allows you to adjust your plan based on its effectiveness.

What is a realistic weight loss target? First, recognize that your goal-setting must always be realistic in terms of the amount of weight you expect to lose in a certain time frame. If you choose an unattainable goal, you will soon become discouraged and give up. So, what can you do to make sure you choose a realistic target?

1. Remember that your goal is long term, sustainable weight loss. There is no rush, and you will be more successful with a slow and steady approach. Most professionals agree that a target of losing 5 to 10 percent of your starting weight is reasonable. For instance, if you weigh 150 pounds, try to lose 7.5 to 15 pounds. This is a healthy weight loss.

2. Run some numbers. It’s critical for your physical and psychological health to make a realistic assessment of the time required to achieve your goal. Shoot for about 2 pounds per week. For example, 5 weeks is a reasonable target date to lose 10 pounds. If you plan to lose 20 pounds, allow yourself at least 10 weeks.

3. Set goals for the short term. Set small targets like losing 2 pounds, instead of 20 pounds. This will help keep you on track, since you’ll want to meet your weekly incremental goal too. It bears repeating that slow weight loss is more likely to bring about permanent results. Remember too that changing your diet and lifestyle permanently is another important goal. If you lose the weight in the short term only to return to your former habits, you’ll gain your weight back, and then some.

One other important consideration is self assessment.

Assess your results. Make note of your weight regularly. Daily or weekly weigh ins are most common. Do be aware that your weight will naturally fluctuate due to fluid intake and retention, among other factors. If you are not meeting your targets, your exercise level or diet will likely need to be adjusted.

Consider keeping a food journal. Research indicates that people who keep a food diary can lose up to twice as much weight. A food diary is like a map that can help you identify patterns in food and caloric intakes. This will allow you to more easily make adjustments if you find you are gaining weight, or are not losing quickly enough.

Understand that losing weight won’t happen overnight, and you should not try to rush things. If you enjoy the process by taking things slow, you are more likely to succeed. Remember that you aren’t just getting a nicer body; you’re also investing in your long term health.

Matthew Roberts has designed and attained much achievement with diet plans over the past 30 years and knows how to lose fat. He has also studied and studied many weight loss products and weight loss pills and knows exactly what works and what doesn’t.

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