The key to successful weight-loss is to set sensible goals. Setting goals allow you to track your progress and gives you defined targets to aim for. Don’t set your goals too high because you will set yourself up for failure or worse, risk your health by losing too much weight too fast. However, you should set a goal that will give you a challenge. Here are a few guidelines on thinking up sensible weight-loss goals.

Consult with your physician.  Meet with your physician or general practicionaer. He or she knows your medical history and will be able to advise you on how much weight you should lose. Speak to your physician before starting any diet or exercise regimen.

  • Keep your weight loss to 1 to 2 pounds per week.
    • Never try a crash diet.  Just the connotation spells trouble and should be avoided at all costs. You should keep to a slow and steady weight-loss plan. Decide on an ideal target weight (be realistic) then set your expectations for losing one to two poinds per week. So if you feel like you need to lose 20 pounds, your goal will be to get to that weight in twenty to forty weeks.
  • Smaller goals make a difference.
    • Don’t start a weight-loss program thinking that success means completing the target weight and target date.  You will see and feel the benefits of losing as little as 10% of your body weight. Break up your ultimate goal into smaller goals to reach along the way. It can be intimidating looking at the ultimate goal. Breaking it up into smaller goals allows you to concentrate first on your smaller goal, giving you a sense of accomplishement when you reach it. So even if you don’t make your ultimate goal of making your target weight, be proud of the pounds that you lose along the way.
  • Body Mass Index is more important than just the weight.
    • Feeling overweight or just thinking that you need to lose weight can be very subjective. To get a better feel for where you are at, you may want to calculate your Body Mass. Ask your physician, nutritionist, or search the internet for a body mass calculator.  Then, tweak your weight-loss goal so will eventually be in the “normal” category.

Now that you have your weight-loss goal and the mini goals in place, start by tackling your first mini goal. I know you can succeed by approaching weight-loss one step at a time. Your next challenge is just to get started.

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