Setting realistic weight loss goals can go a long way to being successful and meeting these goals when dieting. If realistic goals are not set when dieting, discouragement can set in because the weight is not being lost fast enough, or as quickly as planned. There is no overnight weight loss method, this process takes time and can not be rushed, or else physical health can be affected. Setting weight loss goals that are realistic will prevent a loss of motivation, and giving up on a diet because it is not working as fast as desired.

What Are Realistic Weight Loss Goals?

Losing weight is a struggle for many individuals, and to be realistic a goal of two pounds each week is safe, manageable, and should be aimed for. Two pounds is the equivalent of seven thousand calories, so eating one thousand less calories each day, or working off an extra thousand calories daily, will result in a weight loss. Over the fifty two weeks of the year, two pounds a week can add up to one hundred and four pounds, and this is a significant step. Aim for two pounds a week, and many people will be pleasantly surprised when more than this is lost. The weight was not put on in just one week, and it is not realistic to expect to take it all back off in just one or two weeks.

The Drawbacks Of A Scale

Many dieters get into the habit of weighing themselves frequently, sometimes daily or more than once a day. This can be a big mistake, and can actually harm a diet. In the beginning the weight may drop off and the scale may be a method of positive reinforcement, but this will only work for so long. After a time, the body will start to tone up and build muscle, and when this occurs the scale can be very deceiving because muscle weighs much more than fat. This means that a dieter may be in great physical shape and have a low body fat index, but may not see much difference in the numbers shown on the scale. When the numbers start to reflect little difference in weight, it may be time to start measuring by percentage of body fat instead to get an accurate reading of the diet results. Another way to tell the results of dieting, no matter what the scale says, is by the size of clothes that currently fit. The goal for this method is to aim for one size smaller at a time, and this will allow the results of the diet to be noticeable no matter what the scale says.

Motivation Is A Big Part Of A Successful Diet

being motivated means already winning half the battle of a successful diet. Motivation will help keep dieters on the right track, with feelings of confidence and the desire to get healthy and lose the weight. There are many ways to stay motivated while dieting, and weight loss can be a big motivator once the first pounds dropped become noticeable. Another way is to reward meeting goals, and it does not have to be with food. Go for a spa treatment or buy a new dress, but reward meeting a goal and it will cause even more motivation with a diet. One of the biggest reasons that a diet fails is disappointment, which leads to a lack of motivation and quitting the diet before results are noticed. Setting realistic weight goals will prevent this disappointment and help keep motivation strong.