Set Short Term Weight Loss Goals and Effectively Lose the Weight

Weight loss is not an insurmountable problem. It will not happen over night but it can be done. The problem is usually self doubt and procrastination. People do not reach this goal because they fail to start since it seems to be such a big undertaking. Start your journey by setting small goals.

List Your Reason(s)

If you are not happy with your current weight, start by writing down your feelings. If you have no motivation, you will never get started. The first step is to list your personal reasons for wanting to lose weight. Do not attempt weight loss because of anyone else. Just take a pad and write down your reasons along with how you will feel when you succeed.

First Goal

Get started by obtaining a calendar or journal you will use to record your starting point. This will include weighing yourself, taking measurements and even listing your current size in clothing. Next you will list the size you wish to reach, choose the date you will begin and write it on the calendar or journal.

Complete personal research. Read articles or reports online detailing the daily recommended calorie intake you need to reach your goal. Start by visiting websites like the Department of Agriculture and the FDA to determine which foods you need to eat and the quantities needed to reach a healthy weight. Another suggestion is to visit websites that provide a personal profile so you may determine the exact number of calories and foods you need to consume on a daily basis in order to reach your goals. Good starting points are WebMD and calorie counter.

Print the information you find and keep in a notebook or folder so you can refer to it when you begin your lifestyle change.

Join a weight loss forum by going to the Google search engine and typing: weight loss + forum. Here you can read the stories and Q&A of thousands of others who also want to lose weight.

Third Goal

Set a day for when you will take action using the information you have gathered. Decide on your start date and write this down on your calendar. Plan you meals in advance based on your research. Be sure to go grocery shopping to gather all the foods you will consume in accordance with the information you have.
On the day you have chosen, do not even think about what you will eat. Begin to put your plan into action. Be mechanical in your decision to lose weight and just start. After a week or two, this will become second nature.

Don’t doubt yourself and do not procrastinate. Keep your folder or notebook in front of you and follow the goals you have set for yourself. You can and will lose the weight by setting short reachable goals. When these goals are met, make new ones.

Remember, we all must start somewhere and you will not lose the weight if you take no action.