Losing weight always starts out as a good intention. Most times that’s where it stays. It is often a struggle since the outcome is unknown and finding a starting point is usually difficult. Knowing how and when to start can be the most difficult aspect of weight loss. Setting attainable weight loss goals will get you ready for success. Establishing where to set your goal may be a challenge if you aren’t sure how to arrive at it.
The next thing you need to do is make an honest self assessment of your current health situation. Of course scheduling a doctors appointment with your family physician would be a beneficial starting point. Purchase a reliable home scale which gives measurements in tenths of a pound and a journal to write down your weekly weigh in values. This will make it easier for you to track small changes in your weight. You will also want an accurate measurement of your height. Have a friend or loved one help take this measurement to insure you get the most accurate information.
Calculating your height and weight can give you an idea of what your ideal weight should be. Once you know this now it is time to set your initial goal. Iinitial because in order to be successful you will need to have a number of smaller goals that can be achieved in a set time frame. This can be done in a few different manners. Make your goals specific. Don’t say you ‘need to lose weight’ or I’m ‘going to lose weight’, say you will do it. For example: “I will lose 15 lbs and take a walk every evening.” This can be both a mental and physical encouragement to keep the motivation you need.
Write down your chosen goals. Create both short term and long term goals for losing weight. Keep a chart or journal to track progress and give yourself some encouragement as you reach your weight loss milestones. Give yourself emotional reasons for continuing to lose weight. What moves you to action? Imagine your feelings when you succeed. What will your reward for achievement be? Write it down and plan for it. Giving yourself something to reread when you get plagued with frustration can often be the motivator that will push you further.
When should you begin? How about right now! It’s decision time. You can continue to dream about a healthier life style, starting to lose weight and looking better, or you can do something about it today. You can stay stuck in your rut, or you can make a change. You can put off your happiness until another day, or you can begin doing positive things now, that you know you are capable of doing.
The choice is yours. It’s easy to fall into the trap of ‘someday.’ Someday I’ll lose those extra pounds, but right now I have so many other things to take care of. The truth is, you will always have things to take care of, people to see, and places to go. You have to make time for a better life for yourself because you are worth it. Getting to that mind set may take awhile, and the road travelled may be rough, but in the end reaching your weight loss will be done right.
Now that you know how to set up a specific, goal oriented, weight loss action plan, there is nothing stopping you!







