Set and Keep Your Weight Loss Goals

Losing weight is one of the hardest things we can ever accomplish.  Yet many people try to lose weight without first making a plan or setting weight loss goals.  The key to successful weight loss begins with setting attainable weight loss goals.

Assess Your Weight

Begin by determining your current weight and assessing it with your ideal weight.  No two people are alike when it comes to body type and weight loss so it's best not to measure yourself against anyone else.  Look in the mirror and locate the areas that are troublesome.  If you have a lot of weight to lose don't despair.  You'll be able to set reasonable goals to accomplish any amount of weight loss.

Create a Target

You know what you weigh and what you would like to weigh.  Now simply determine how much total weight you need to lose to reach your ideal weight.  Don't let the number shock you because you'll soon be breaking your weight loss goal down into more manageable sections.

Set Attainable Goals

One of the biggest problems that people face when trying to lose weight is that they feel overwhelmed at a large number of pounds to lose.  Yes, it can be daunting to think about having to lose 25, 50 or 75 pounds.  Instead of looking at the total number break down the weight loss goal into smaller goals.  Smaller goals are not only easier to accomplish and measure they help you build on your successes to create momentum that's needed for large weight loss.

Set Healthy Weight Loss Goals

What is healthy weight loss?  Most experts recommend losing no more than a pound or two per week.  You may seem bewildered by watching some reality shows on television that show enormous amounts of weight loss on a weekly basis. This isn't the norm and certainly isn't the recommended weight loss.  Instead consider the percentage of your total weight that you need to lose and how much weight (on a percentage) you want to lose each week.  When you have more weight to lose you can lose more weight each week.  In general you should not expect to lose more than 8 to 10 pounds a month.

Monitor Your Progress

Set goals for yourself on a weekly or monthly basis.  Monitor your progress so that you can see how you're doing.  Don't be discouraged because many factors come together to figure into your weight loss.  Keep up on counting calories and sticking with a daily exercise plan and you'll be bound to lose weight. Check your weight at the same time of day and wearing the same thing.  Record your weight loss in a special notebook or calendar.

Reward Your Success

When you reach each of your weight loss goals give yourself a reward.  The reward should not be food oriented.  Instead reward yourself with small things that mean something to you.  For example if you reach your weight loss goal this week you can visit the spa, get a facial or buy a new purse.  Don't forget to reward yourself for a job well done even if you don't entirely reach your goal.  If you had a goal to lose 10 pounds but only lost 8 you should still feel good.  You attained almost all of your goal and still accomplished a lot.