How you determine your weight loss goals can either set you up for success or failure.
In an effort to help you stay focused on the healthy weight loss track now and well into the year, I’d like to introduce you to a goal-setting tip that can set you up for a successful weight loss journey. I call it The 5% Solution.
If you put this solution into place, you should look forward to realizing more success and staying focused on the long-term prize: steady weight loss and improved health.
Tips to guide you:
1. Set your 5% goal. Rather than recommend you reach a certain “ideal” body weight, I recommend that you commit to losing 5% of your weight. This weight loss goal is realistic and doable. Multiply your weight by .05 to figure out the number of pounds you need to lose to achieve this goal. For someone weighing 170 pounds, losing 5% means you would need to lose 8.5 pounds. If you weigh 200 pounds, you would need to lose 10 pounds. This 5% goal is a shorter term goal that will help keep your confidence level high in your longer term quest to lose weight.
2. Focus on the process. Once you have your goal in place, focus on the process of getting there. Take a fresh look at your meal plan and strategies for your personality type. The more closely you can follow your personalized program, the better you will do losing weight. Also, reach out to the Diet.com team of experts if you have questions about what you should be doing or if you encounter obstacles in your way.
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3. Celebrate success along the way. Take note of all your measures of success – not just pounds lost. Write down the many benefits. This might include more energy and a better mood, sleeping better, feeling more in control, being able to climb stairs with less shortness of breath, liking your reflection in the mirror, and looser clothes. Keep this list handy and refer to it on those days the scale isn’t moving fast enough.
4. Re-evaluate. Once you reach your first 5% goal, take time for some honest self-reflection and re-evaluation. Is it time to set another 5% goal? Losing another 5% will require more commitment to your healthy lifestyle strategies for your personality type. Ask yourself: Do I have the interest and motivation to commit more time to my healthy eating and exercise behaviors? Do I have enough people around me who can support my efforts? Can I continue to make my healthy lifestyle a priority? If you answered YES to these questions, then it’s time to set another 5% goal. If you don’t have the time or initiative to lose more weight, then focus on holding your weight stable… for now.
I hope these tips will help you stay focused and be more successful losing weight throughout the year. |
