Reasonable Weight Loss Goals

Much like with anything else, weight loss requires that realistic goals be set.  Actually, this is even moreso true with weight loss. This is because many people expect to diet all their excess weight away in a matter of weeks or months (a condition referred to by some as “false hope syndrome”), and when it doesn’t happen quite as smoothly, people break, and before you know it they’re going down McDonald’s lane.

This is not the only reason to set sensible goals: people who have very high expectations about weight loss tend to undereat, and thus become easily susceptible to temptations of overeating.

The truth of the matter is, realistic goals that can be achieved one step at a time are the way to go. The only question is what goals can be considered realistic? How do you set them?

Five Tips to Lose Weight.

  1. Do NOT be in a hurry.

It is a medically plausible goal to lose 5-10% of your starting weight.

Count how much you can do in how long.

According to most physicians, it is realistic to lose 0.5-1 kg a week, and to stay healthy at the same time. With that in mind, count 5-10 % of your starting weight, divide it by the weight you want to lose each week, and you’ll have the number of weeks to reach your goal.

Appreciate your minor victories.

Lost 2 kilos? Go celebrate. Using this kind of reward system can make losing weight easier.

Follow the score.

Know when you have lost how much, and when you have to lose how much more – this will keep your mind in gear, and make it easier to achieve your goals.

Fight temptation wherever it manifests

It will be easier if you are determined to fight temptations as they come, and deal with each one separately. Living through the day without overeating is a good semi-goal in your long term quest for weight loss.

While these guidelines help, another crucial step in losing weight is exercise – learn more about that here.

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