Setting realistic goals

cressievargo

I've been *seriously* using MFP for about a month now. I have lost 13 lbs - BUT - it was the same 13 I gained over the holidays (boo!). Now, I'm really trying to figure out realistic goals / time lines to keep myself motivated & on track.

SW was 252; CW is 239. I haven't been under 200 in a decade, at least. I would like to be in the 140 - 150 range ultimately.

So far I have been doing well keeping to the calories. I started out with the 1200 but upped it a little and lost weight much more easily after upping it. I am trying to become more consistent in working out. Right now I do mostly walking, but next week I want to start doing water aerobics.

Any suggestions / ideas on what realistic goals for me would be? In the past I have always started strong but then when things "slowed down" I'd get discouraged and go back to the "same old". I do NOT want to do that this time. I have 3 kids - all boys -that's a LOT to keep up with.

Thanks in advance!

cmriverside

Have you read these? They are super helpful. As you found out, if you set your goals too aggressively, you are more likely to give up.

Accept that there will be days when you totally blow it. We all do. Try to do more good days than bad. You're learning. There's a curve.

Eat enough. Get enough protein and fat - it helps you stay full. Try to eat to fulfill your macros.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/186814-some-mfp-basics
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/61706-guide-to-calorie-deficits


Good luck. Just keep at it. Slow and steady.

japruzze

I set weekly goals. For example, this weeks goals include

1. I will log all my food.
2. I will work out at least 5 times this week for a total of 4 hours.
3. I will increase my water intake to 8 glasses every day.
4. I will increase my speed on the treadmill to 4 mph.

Small steps. Achievable goals. Make each week a success.

cressievargo

I set weekly goals. For example, this weeks goals include

1. I will log all my food.
2. I will work out at least 5 times this week for a total of 4 hours.
3. I will increase my water intake to 8 glasses every day.
4. I will increase my speed on the treadmill to 4 mph.

Small steps. Achievable goals. Make each week a success.

I like this a LOT. Do you focus on these things and not the scale so much? I think obsessing over the scale is generally my downfall.

japruzze

I try not to obsess about the scale. I do focus onmy weekly goals.