To achieve your goal of permanent weight loss, it's important to understand that the approach you take can make or break your success. In order to lose weight, you must set the proper daily goals and use effective strategies for implementing your plan and evaluating your results. This will allow you to make any necessary modifications based on the results you see.
What is an appropriate weight loss objective? First, you must understand that it's important to have a realistic target the can be attained in the time frame you set. Otherwise, your chances of abandoning your weight loss routine are very high. So, how can you make sure the goal you set is a realistic one?
1. Avoid trying to rush your way into weight loss. You didn't gain weight over night, and you shouldn't expect to lose it over night either. Most professionals say that losing around 5 to 10 percent of your weight is a good target. As an example, try losing about 7.5 to 15 pounds for a starting weight of 150 pounds. This will help you stay healthy through the process.
2. Run some numbers. It's critical for your physical and psychological health to make a realistic assessment of the time required to achieve your goal. Shoot for about 2 pounds per week. For example, 5 weeks is a reasonable target date to lose 10 pounds. If you plan to lose 20 pounds, allow yourself at least 10 weeks.
3. Focus on setting short terms goals. Think about your goals as a series of stages. If you focus, for example, on losing two pounds this week, you're more likely to stay motivated and on task to make sure you hit your target. If you are too focused on the long term future, it can be tempting to cheat and think you can make it up later. Also, it's worth repeating that slow weight loss is healthy weight loss. The changes that you make in your eating habits are just as important as losing weight itself. Without integrating these chances into your routine permanently, there is no way you can maintain your weight loss.
Another importation thing to consider is self-monitoring.
Assess your results. Make note of your weight regularly. Daily or weekly weigh ins are most common. Do be aware that your weight will naturally fluctuate due to fluid intake and retention, among other factors. If you are not meeting your targets, your exercise level or diet will likely need to be adjusted.
Consider keeping a food journal. Research indicates that people who keep a food diary can lose up to twice as much weight. A food diary is like a map that can help you identify patterns in food and caloric intakes. This will allow you to more easily make adjustments if you find you are gaining weight, or are not losing quickly enough.
Weight loss takes time, and it's important not to rush the process. If you do, you may end up giving up. By taking it easy, you are more likely to stay motivated to stick with it. Realize that weight loss isn't just the road to a better body; it's also an investment in a longer and healthier life.