A healthy calories loss diet and a well planned work-out routine is at the heart of every successful weight loss program however even with these core components and with the best of intentions, many people do not lose weight because they fail to set realistic goals. They do not plan their weight loss or the rate of this weight loss carefully and they become discouraged and give up. Every successful weight loss plan needs goal setting techniques that will keep them focused, encouraged and ultimately successful.
The rate of weight loss is considered by doctors and others in this field to be approximately 1-2 pounds each week. These may not seem much but it is sufficient for your body to accommodate your weight loss and remain healthy and it is also enough to continue to lose weight over an extended period of time. Aiming for a weight loss greater than this will see you needing to make drastic cuts to your calories loss diet that may not be sustained and may also see you quitting your quest for a slimmer, healthier body and life.
Reduce the outcomes you expect of your weight loss if they are unrealistic because dropping a pound or two each week is a success that you can enjoy and continue to achieve. Celebrate this drop in weight, stick with your calories loss diet and stay focused on continuing to reach this gaol on a regular basis. A slow and steady weight loss is a great way to stay motivated and this keeps you committed even when your weight loss may slow down for a time.
Think in percentages, not pounds as weight loss is not just about losing a set amount of weight. If you want to get down to a healthy weight and stay there you should focus on losing 10-20% of your whole body weight, not just the amount of pounds you want to lose. You may be surprised about the amount of weight you need to lose for a doctor to consider you healthy so if you weigh 200 pounds, losing just 20-40 pounds could put in a healthy weight range.
Include more than one form of weight loss measurement to see all aspects of your weight loss as your body changes shape. You can see evidence of your weight loss as this is measured on your scales but measurement of the size of your chest, stomach and hips is another effective way to confirm the re-shaping of your body. Including more than one way of measuring your weight loss means that you can remain encouraged when one slows down because the other is likely to continue to reflect your progress.
Do the math because if you want to lose 25 pounds and you know that a safe weight loss rate is 2 pounds per week then you need to plan on taking 12 to 14 weeks to lose this weight. In the beginning it might make it seem more difficult to lose weight, but if you have a realistic expectation of how long it will take to lose the amount of weight that you want to shed, it will help you remain focused and stay on your calories loss diet. Weight loss goals that are ’short and furious’ generally go out with a bang soon after they have been set.
To reach your 1-2 pound weight loss goal each week you need to reduce your daily calorie intake each day by around 500. To gauge this, use a calories counter and this will enable you to calculate a balanced menu that includes a range of foods from each of the major food groups. To lose weight the numbers need to stack up so knowing how many calories you consume and how many you use are the central numbers around which you should plan your calories loss menu and your exercise.
Create goals that can be achieved soon but remain focused on the ultimate goal and reflect this determination in your calories loss eating habits and your exercise program. Always include opportunities for the celebration of your weight loss successes along the way and reward yourself with special treats like clothes, CD’s, or even a night out somewhere special. Use these rewards as incentives to continue losing weight and always keep looking ahead at the final goal - the new you.