Rapid Fat Loss Diets

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Weight Loss: Establishing Ambitions and Receiving Results

By Matthew Roberts

If your objective is to lose weight and maintain that loss permanently, then you should know that the way you approach your goal is the key to your success or failure. To approach your goals effectively, you must create your daily objectives and design strategies to implement your plan and analyze your progress. This analysis is crucial, because it allows you to adjust your plan based on its effectiveness.

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. Remember that your goal is long term, sustainable weight loss. There is no rush, and you will be more successful with a slow and steady approach. Most professionals agree that a target of losing 5 to 10 percent of your starting weight is reasonable. For instance, if you weigh 150 pounds, try to lose 7.5 to 15 pounds. This is a healthy weight loss.

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.

One other important consideration is self assessment.

Track your results. Weigh yourself daily, or at least weekly. Do be aware that your weight fluctuates naturally due to fluid retention and other factors, so daily weigh-ins are sometimes misleading. If you notice over the course of the week that you aren't hitting your targets, you will want to adjust your diet or exercise routine.

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.

Understand that losing weight won't happen overnight, and you should not try to rush things. If you enjoy the process by taking things slow, you are more likely to succeed. Remember that you aren't just getting a nicer body; you're also investing in your long term health. - 17273

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