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Setting Goals While Dieting
Successful and permanent weight loss is dependent upon setting reasonable goals and expectations. If you set reasonable goals for yourself while dieting, chances are you will be more likely to attain those goals and a higher chance of keeping the weight off.
Setting unreasonable goals will only cause you to become frustrated an unmotivated when you don't reach them. You have to remember that your weight was not accumulated in a day. Most people have spent years adding on the weight that they want to shed. Expecting to lose five years worth of weight gain in less than two months on a fad diet is not a reasonable or attainable goal.
You should plan to lose weight gradually. For safe and healthy weight loss, you should try not exceed two pounds per week. Talk with your personal physician about a safe rate of weight loss for you as an individual.
Your doctor can help you understand what you goals you can realistically set for yourself and can help you in developing a plan to reach them.
Setting Basic Goals
When attempting to lose weight, there are three basic goals you can aim for to help you become successful in shedding those pounds. First and foremost is to not put any more weight on. In the beginning, even maintaining your weight can be a step in the right direction.
Once you are able to keep your weight stable and not gain any more, you can move on to the second basic goal, which is to reduce your current body weight by a realistic figure. Some experts have stated that a 10% reduction in body weight is a successful outcome.
This will require gradual changes to your lifestyle in the form of eating healthier, getting more exercise and keeping a positive attitude so that you can reach your goals.
Once you achieved weight loss, you will need to work on the third goal. Keeping the weight off. Remember that you need to continue with your healthy eating habits and regular exercise in order to stay at the weight you worked so hard to reach. But, if you want to keep your new look, it is a necessary goal to achieve.
Above All, Be Realistic
Just remember to take it slow. Don't expect miracles to happen or pounds to come off in double digits on a weekly basis. Weight loss is a slow process. There are no quick fixes and it will take almost as much time to lose the weight as it did to put it on. But, if you keep your goals reasonable and in sight, you can achieve the weight loss you desire.
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