Setting Goals for Weight Loss

When trying to lose weight you usually have goals in mind whether it be a certain weight or clothing size. But can you reach these goals? Knowing what goals to make and what can be accomplished has helped me to lose 65 pounds over a period of time and to keep it off. Here are some of my tips for setting goals for weight loss.

Think Big. There is nothing wrong with knowing how much weight you'd like to lose. This is your long-term goal. Just remember that you may not be able to lose as much weight as you'd like to because of factors such as health, age, muscle content and medical issues. This final weight loss goal is just a tentative goal and should be re-evaluated occasionally as you follow your diet.

Start Small. By jumping into a diet plan that requires major lifestyle changes is not a good way to be able to stick with your goals. Start with one unhealthy habit you would like to change. Once you've got the hang of that change you might try adding something else.

Move Slowly. To lose weight and keep it off requires changing your lifestyle, but these changes work best when done a little at a time. Whether you schedule your monthly goals for the entire year or see how it goes a month at a time, allow yourself time to adjust to changes when setting goals for weight loss.

Lose Slowly. A healthy diet is one that encourages weight loss of no more than one to two pounds per week. Not only will you have a better chance of keeping the weight off, this is a goal for weight loss that is reachable and will lead to less frustration than if you were trying to lose 10 pounds per week.

Set Realistic Goals. When you make short-term goals (and sometimes long-term goals) too big, you are setting yourself up for failure. Setting goals for weight loss based on the tips above will give you more chance of success which will boost your motivation to keep going.

Be Specific. It's easier to reach a goal when it is specific rather than general. Rather than saying that you'll give up junk food, it's better to give up one specific unhealthy item. Or if you choose to use moderation, one goal for weight loss could include allowing yourself a small portion of a favorite item twice a week. Goals that are specific and measurable are easier to reach.

Prepare for setbacks. Even the best laid goals will not always be reached exactly when planned. If you have made weekly or monthly goals, one day of blowing it will not hurt in the long term. Get back on track for the rest of your time line and you will still have succeeded overall with your goals.

Setting Goals for Weight Loss. These tips for setting goals for weight loss have worked for me. As everyone is different you may find that not all of these will work for you. Hopefully some of these ideas will work or give you ideas for specific that will help you in setting goals for weight loss.

FURTHER READING:

Mayo Clinic; Weight-loss goals: 10 tips for success