The Importance of Setting Realistic Weight Loss Goals

Sometimes aiming too high only leads to soul-crushing disappointment. According to a study published on the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, a realistic weight loss goal matters. Most women tend to set unrealistic weight loss goals inevitably setting themselves up to disappointing results.

Leading health experts believe that a realistic weight loss goal helps dieters motivate themselves into sticking to their diet and fitness plans. Don’t expect to lose half your total weight in just three weeks. Rather than starving yourself, eat sensibly. These are just a few of the many ways to boost weight loss. Ready for more? In today’s post, we are giving you tips on how to set a realistic weight loss goal:

Start with a Specific Number

“Losing a few pounds” is too vague for a goal. You want a specific number you can work with. Ask yourself how you plan to achieve a specific weight goal and when you want to start. When you put on weight, you feel lethargic, unmotivated and unhappy. And you cannot do this if you don’t will yourself to have a vision. You want measurable goals. For example, set specific inches you want off your waist. You can also set the number of pounds you want to lose at a specific time.

Measure yourself and list it all down on a notebook. Use that notebook as a food diary. Track your progress and celebrate little victories instead of big ones. This way, you feel more motivated to move forward with your goal.

Hold Yourself Accountable

You will falter at some point, nobody’s perfect. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hold yourself accountable when you start losing control. Let your friends, family and spouse know about your fitness plan. You want to build a support group that will motivate you to push harder. The same group will remind you about your goals when you feel like giving up. It’s easier to stick to a goal when everyone is cheering you on.

Developing a Sensible Plan

Don’t set the bar too high especially when it comes to dieting. Crash diets and rapid weight loss diets could do more harm than good. It could also lead to nutritional deficiencies and eating disorders. Don’t expect instant results if you’re not willing to do all the work.

Make the necessary changes in your lifestyle to achieve your goals. For example, if you used to spend all night eating junk food while watching TV, start allotting at least 20 minutes of your time working out. Instead of ordering a side of fries, why not go for a dressed down salad instead?

A combination of balanced diet and regular exercise is your best bet when it comes to losing weight healthily.

Set a Target Date

Most people work best under pressure. You want a sense of urgency when completing a goal. If you don’t set a timeframe, you’d feel less motivated to achieve your weight loss goals. So set a target date, work yourself steadily to achieve it. When you start feeling changes in your body as you lose weight, you’ll be even more motivated to hitting the timeframe you set.