Most people have, in fact, strong weight loss motivation. Realistic weight loss goals requires an analysis of where you are and where you need to be and an understanding that the process of weight loss requires consistent commitment. In most cases it means replacing long established habits with healthier ones. It requires dedication to learning and acting upon new life style changes.
People start out motivated but lose steam as the challenges of daily living kicks in. Even the most disciplined of us fall off the diet bandwagon when we hit a plateau or when we yield to temptation. Motivation is a very important thing when it comes to dieting and setting goals keeps you on track. The problem is that most people set unrealistic goals. This is a recipe for failure.
Remember losing weight is highly individual. If you are morbidly obese and do little physical activity your goals would be far different from the person who has 20 pounds to loose and who plays tennis twice a week. Try to look at where you are and work from there. Figure out what your next level of fitness and weight loss would be and set you goals accordingly. It may be easier to set long term and short term goals. For example, your ultimate goal might be to weigh 130 but your first goal might be 195 pounds. Be sure to include life style goals as these will get you through the times when weight loss may slow down.
So basically you can look at two types of goals; lifestyle and weight loss. For many of us who have had a long history of weight loss failure it may be best to focus upon life style goals first.
Life Style goals include food and fitness. Small changes can bring long term results. Try to find some changes you can make to your eating habits. Some possibilities might include not eating after 8 PM, or having three meatless meals per week. You could also look for lower fat options for foods you already eat.
Fitness goals are also important, but this is where most people set themselves up for failure. If you not been active for years, don’t think you can walk for an hour every day. Start with a ten minute and walk three times a week. Look for ways to add activity to your daily life in small ways. Park your car a bit further
away from the store. Gardening and house work are forms of exercise. Try cleaning your house for twenty minutes without setting down. Put on your favorite music and dance for 15 minutes. These are starting goals, when they become effortless increase them.
How you approach weight loss is up to you. Go easy on yourself. Small easily achievable goals increase your chances of success. Many diet and fitness programs put far too much emphasis on quick results. You are in this for the long term. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Change takes time. Give yourself a real chance at success small steps at a time.