Ultimate Weight Loss

If you want to lose weight and keep it off, you need to set some goals for yourself. By setting goals, you give yourself a road map to follow. It may be tempting to skip this step but if you do, your plan to lose weight is not as likely to succeed. Your goals should be specific, attainable, and measurable. In addition, your goals should be rewarding and have a time limit attached to them.

Specific Goals

Decide at the outset what you want to achieve. Make it as specific as possible. Do you want to lose a certain amount of weight or a total number of inches? Do you want to wear a specific dress size?

It is not enough to say, “I will eat better.” Instead, say, “I will eat a salad at lunch four times a week.” That way, the goal is very specific.

Attainable Goals

It is probably not realistic to tell yourself that chocolate will never again pass your lips, especially if you happen to enjoy this treat. A better choice is to tell yourself that instead of eating chocolate every day, you will limit yourself to eating chocolate twice a week

If you have not been exercising regularly, you need to start off slowly. Try telling yourself that you will be physically active three times this week for between 15 to 30 minutes each time. By keeping your goal attainable, you are more likely to stick to your exercise program.

Measurable Goals

Another key to setting goals for weight loss is to make sure your goal is measurable. You can weigh yourself once a week and keep track of your progress on a chart or in a notebook. If you feel that you are making progress, you are more likely to do the work necessary to stay on course.

Another option is to take your measurements once a month to see what progress you are making. Decide that you will give yourself a reward once you get to a certain point along the way. This does not have to be fancy; it just needs to be something that is meaningful to you. As a reward for sticking with your exercise program, you may want to buy yourself some new workout clothes.

Rewarding Goals

If you cannot see the advantages to losing weight, you do not have an incentive to make the changes necessary to your lifestyle. Think about the reasons why you want to reach this goal. You can write them down, if you think it will help you to stay focused.

Some people post them on their fridge or bathroom mirror so they are reminded of why they are making these changes. Focus on the fact that you will look and feel better after you have reached your goal weight. You will be healthier and stronger if you exercise regularly.

Specific Time Limit

By giving yourself a time limit to achieve your goals, you are keeping yourself motivated to take action now. It is not enough to want to lose weight “someday.” Instead, tell yourself that you want to lose X number of pounds in X weeks. Now you have a time frame you can work within.

Take the time to consider your goal of wanting to lose weight. Make it as specific as possible and then plan out step-by-step what you need to do to reach your goal. You will be more likely to stay the course in the long run.