Tips for Setting Goals to Lose Weight

It is essential when entering a new weight loss plan to set goals for yourself. Doing this will help you stay motivated and strive to attain your goal. Some days you may feel like its not worth it and want to give up or throw in the towel. By setting your goal you can look back and remember why you started losing the weight in the first place, and what it really means means to you.

Visual Aids

Pictures

Do you have a picture of yourself when you were at your ideal weight? When you look at this picture do you secretly wish you could look like that again? If so, you should use this picture as motivation. Take the picture, make a few copies, and hang it up where you will see it on a daily basis, such as:

• Your wallet
• The fridge
• The bathroom

Seeing the picture on a daily basis will remind you that you can look this way again.

Clothing

Pull out that favorite pair of jeans you have that don’t fit anymore. Pick them up occasionally and remind yourself of your goal weight. If you can fit into your jeans but you can’t zip them all the way, try them on once a week to see the improvement. Don’t look at this challenge as I am too fat to fit in my skinny jeans but instead think of it as “I am just a few inches/pounds away from getting back into my skinny jeans!”

Wish List

Pick up your favorite clothing catalog and note some clothing you would wear if you were at your desired weight goal. Close your eyes and imagine yourself at your desired weight, wearing the outfit you are looking at in the catalog. Cut out some pictures and start a small scrapbook of new clothes you are going to splurge on when you accomplish your weight loss goal! A positive attitude will greatly affect how you feel about yourself and help you to accomplish your goals. It might be hard at first but you can do it.

What’s A Realistic Goal For You?

First you need to pick the total number of pounds you want to lose and write it down. If you want to lose 25lbs write it down and use that as your main weight loss goal.

It might not sound like much but losing 2lbs per week is a good, moderate weight loss average. You will be amazed to find out how only a couple pounds can be the difference in clothing sizes. It really could be the difference of buttoning your favorite jeans!

Reward yourself!

When you reach your desired weight go buy some new outfits in your new size! During the weight loss process it is okay to have your favorite snack here and there. And you may just find that what you once thought you couldn’t live without – you can indeed live without and you don’t even miss it!

Make sure you stick with the goals you set. Don’t get upset with yourself if you only lose one pound in one week, just remember that it is still a loss of weight even though it is small. Even if you don’t lose any pounds in a week just be happy that you maintained your weight and didn’t gain any. Stay consistent and you will reach your goal.

Lana Hampton
http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/tips-for-setting-goals-to-lose-weight-55210.html