Setting Realistic Goals

FaileBashere

So last year, I made a New Years Resolution to lose weight. I started working out and watching what I eat and i lost 15 lbs in the first 3-4 months of the year. After that, I was temporarily satisfied with my weight loss so I stopped. Right now, I'd like to lose another 25 lbs. I am still overweight, so I'd like to get down to what a healthier weight for my height would be (i'm 4'11" at 152lbs). My goal weight is around 125lbs give or take...I'll know better once I get closer to the number.

Here is the thing, I am not really sure about what is considered a realistic weight loss goal over time. For example, I know I want to lose this weight but I am the type of person who needs 'mini goals' to keep motivated. What is a realistic 'mini goal' to set up for myself monthly? Like should it be 5lbs a month or something of the sort?

I know none of this is set in stone but I work harder for things if they seem more attainable (like 5lbs this month rather than thinking 25lbs total).

What should that goal weight be per month/week etc.?

Thanks!

NinjaJinja

The recommended speed of weight loss is typically 1 lb/week, which can stretch to 2 lb/week if you're really motivated. But you're quite small already and don't have a huge amount left to go. So you should probably stick to 1 lb/week. There's 4 weeks in a month, so 4-5 lbs a month is entirely realistic, I think.

kristen6350

With 25lbs to lose, give or take, 1lb/week is a realistic goal, so I'd say 4lbs/month. But since weight loss isn't linear I can't guarantee you'll lose 4lbs a month, every month. So, basically what I'm saying is, you get on the scale tomorrow and you are X weight, I can't guarantee that if you eat at your 1lb/week calorie deficient you'll be X-4lbs by May 7th.

My mini goal the first month was "no free work food". The next month was "weighing everything I ate". The next month was "trying to play with my macros and hit them". So none of it was "weight related". The scale will move when it wants to. Even if you do EVERYTHING right.

PS. It's been 118 days and I still don't eat free work food. I only eat what I bring to work. Helps boatloads!

FaileBashere

Thanks guys! And Kristen, that's a clever idea. I never thought of that with the mini goals. I will have to try some of that...right now mine is no fried foods.

kandell

This is a tough one. Even in general, for me. I had an ultimate goal weight of 120, possibly 110. When I told my boyfriend I was given a bit of a reality check (I'm 5'10", so 120 would put me at incredibly slim). After talking about it we agreed at 150...For now. I might move it down to 140 once I get there depending on my body composition and if I'm at measurements that I like.

As far as pounds per month, I wish it could come off at 20+. But obviously that's not practical, or healthy. I'm hoping to be 20 pounds down no later than July 4th.

dubird

I've still got about 10 to go that simply doesn't want to go. It's going slow, so chances are it'll be fall before I'm at my target, but I focus more on watching my intake and walking more, so I'm not paying near as much attention to the number on the scale. Makes it a lot less stressful!


Also, re: previous post; as a comment, I'm 5'7", and 120 is underweight for me. I think 150 is a very good middle ground for you. I would discuss with the doctor to see what your particular weight range should be, as different body types have different ranges.

almondbutterbay

kandell wrote: »

This is a tough one. Even in general, for me. I had an ultimate goal weight of 120, possibly 110. When I told my boyfriend I was given a bit of a reality check (I'm 5'10", so 120 would put me at incredibly slim). After talking about it we agreed at 150...For now. I might move it down to 140 once I get there depending on my body composition and if I'm at measurements that I like.

As far as pounds per month, I wish it could come off at 20+. But obviously that's not practical, or healthy. I'm hoping to be 20 pounds down no later than July 4th.

I'm glad you talked to your boyfriend about your goals cause 120 for someone who is 5'10 is def underweight. I'm 5'8 and a few years ago I had an eating disorder and was hospitalized at 118 so be careful setting goals. Sounds like you're doing well thought because you talk to someone about your goals. Consider talking to a doctor or a nutritionist if you reach your goal weight of 150 and decide you want to lose more weight.