How to Set Goals for Weight Loss?

There are lots of reasons for people who are overweight or obese to lose weight; To be healthier; To look better; To feel better; To have more energy. No matter what the reason, successful weight loss and healthy weight management depends on sensible goals and expectations. If you set sensible goals for yourself, chances are you'll be more likely to meet them and have a better chance of keeping the weight off.

Goal setting for weight loss is one of the most underrated aspects of a weight loss program, because people only think about diet and exercise. The most important thing you need to do before starting any weight loss program is to sit down and write out specific goals you want to accomplish. A goal is the purpose toward which an endeavor is directed; an objective. It is not enough to say to yourself that you want to lose weight. You need to write it out and be as specific as you can. In order to be specific you need to set S.M.A.R.T goals. But what are S.M.A.R.T goals and how do you set them? S.M.A.R.T basically stands for

• Specific: You should state exactly what you want to achieve and how you're going to do it. It's a good idea to plan a series of small goals that build on each other to reach your main goal at the end.
• Measurable: Measurable goals will help you to see the progress you're making. This is something that you will then be able to measure at the end of the month, and as a result you will be able to note achievement in this area.
• Achievable: We are much more likely to maintain goals which are achievable. When you succeed in achieving small goals you can gradually build up to a main goal.
• Relevant: Goals must be relevant to you. You're the expert on what you need, so choose goals that work for you and fit in with your lifestyle.
• Time-specific: Set yourself a time scale for achieving your goals. If you're changing a habit of a lifetime, it will take time, so allow yourself weeks.

Here are some tips on how you will be able to set S.M.A.R.T goals.

• Personalize your goals: Set goals that are within your capabilities and take into account your limitations. Also, take into account your personal fitness level, health concerns, available time and motivation. Tailoring your expectations to your personal situation helps you set achievable goals.
• Focus on the process: Make your goals "process goals," such as exercising regularly, rather than "outcome goals," such as losing 50 pounds. Changing your habits is the key to weight loss.
• Think short term and long term: Short-term goals keep you engaged on a daily basis, but long-term goals motivate you over the long haul.
• Pick a date: Timing is crucial, often making the difference between success and failure. Choose a definite start date and don't put that date off for anything. Be sure to account for life circumstances that might hamper your efforts.
• Start small: It's helpful to plan a series of small goals that build on each other instead of one big, all-encompassing goal. Remember that you're in this for the long haul.
• Plan for setbacks: Setbacks are a natural part of behavior change. Everyone who successfully makes changes in his or her life has experienced setbacks. Identifying potential roadblocks and brainstorming specific strategies to overcome them can help you stay on course.
• Reassess and adjust your goals as needed: Be willing to change your goals as you progress in your weight-loss plan. If you started small, you might be ready to take on larger challenges. Or, you might find that you need to adjust your goals to better fit your new lifestyle.

When you start achieving some of your goals, reward yourself for the hard work you have completed. Avoid rewarding yourself with food. Food is not a reward, it is to fuel your body. Rewards for achieving a goal can be something simple like a facial or a new article of clothing. If you want to give yourself larger rewards for reaching bigger goals, such as reaching the half way mark, then do so. Whatever motivates you to achieve a specific goal, perhaps even go away for a weekend or visit a day spa.