Realistic goals?

karia17
karia17 Posts: 19 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I wanted to ask a few who have gone through the process on what are some realistic goals I can set for myself?
I've been too extreme in the past and quit after a few months. I obviously want this to turn into a lifestyle so I am trying to take things slower. Is around 45-60 lbs in 8 months realistic and attainable without having to work my body overboard? I just want to mentally prepare myself if this goal isn't attainable with what I am doing and should expect much less?

I lift 2-3x weekly and do cardio about 2-3 weekly for about 15-45mins depending.
Eating around 1,300 calories a day, I am now only eating a small portion of my calories back.
I tend to go over on my sugar, will that cause me a lot of issues as long as I am staying under my calorie count?
( For me I found it better to treat my sweet tooth in smaller portion than have a day where I binge.)

Replies

  • KarenJanine
    KarenJanine Posts: 3,497 Member
    Rather than saying you want to lose 'x' amount by 'x' date, how about setting some fitness and strength goals?

    Set your calorie goal to lose 0.5 to 1 lb per week and eat what MFP says. Aim for fat loss, rather than just scale weight loss.

    And no, don't stress about sugar intake. Be sure to get adequate protein and fats and the carbs will usually fall in place.
  • karia17
    karia17 Posts: 19 Member
    I do agree with you, I guess I shouldn't just say weight loss goals only. I go by visuals more than anything. I really don't weigh myself often. I just feel to have the desired look/body I want I'd need about that much of a fat loss.I am trying to aim myself for that goal but I won't kill myself in the process, I am very goal- oriented so it is difficult for me to take it one day a time but I am trying! How do I set that? :)
  • nikkiclaire123
    nikkiclaire123 Posts: 119
    dont set big goals, they become a little over whelming sometimes. set short term goals so when you keep hitting them it keeps you motivated.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    i dont know what you do in your workouts, but why not do an exercise programme, insanity, NROL, C25K, something like that to keep you focused? as long as you are fueling your workouts, the weight loss will take care of itself.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,428 MFP Moderator
    Aim for 1 lb a week and realize the last few lbs will take forever. In fact, don't even go by the scale, go by the mirror. Your goal should be maximizing fat loss and minimizing muscle loss. If you do this, you may find out that you only need to lose 40 lbs instead of 50. Also, 1300 is pre-workout, so when you workout, you should probably eat another 200-300 calories.
  • gracielynn1011
    gracielynn1011 Posts: 726 Member
    It's easier for me to set smaller goals rather than one big goal. For example when I signed up here, my ultimate goal weight was 130, but my goal was set for 10 lbs. When I got close, I went another 10. So my ticker always shows around 10 lb left to go. Lol.

    But it was easier to stay on track because I could say I only have 10 to go rather than 30. Its a mind trick, but the end result is the same. Also, you may lose fast at first, then slow down. I was losing 1-2 lb a week at the start, now weeks go by with no scale loss, but I will see my results other ways.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    How much do you have to lose? I've lost 60 lbs in 10 months, I still have 15 to lose though and guessing it will be slower. And I've exercised 1-2 hour a day top, usually 1, and mostly walks. So it's definitely doable.
  • cingle87
    cingle87 Posts: 717 Member
    When I started I didn't set out with a particular goal in mind, I didn't want to lose X lbs by Y date, I'm just happy the weight is coming off. If you are a person who like to set goals say when i lose 10lbs i will give myself a reward be it food, clothes trip etc
  • Mongognom
    Mongognom Posts: 123
    dont set big goals, they become a little over whelming sometimes. set short term goals so when you keep hitting them it keeps you motivated.

    This.
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    If you weigh 300 lbs it isn't unrealistic at all. If you weigh 150 lbs it's completely unrealistic. Your starting weight and how much you want to lose is the biggest factor in deciding where to set your weight loss goal, how many pounds you can safely lose a week and how long it might take.
  • JamieM8168
    JamieM8168 Posts: 248 Member
    I lost 50 lbs this year in 8 months so it is realistic depending on how much you weigh to begin with.
    BUT I always think its better to set small goals rather than big long term goals
  • DaddieCat
    DaddieCat Posts: 3,643 Member
    I'm of the opinion that the only weight that matters is the weight on the bar that I'm lifting/squatting/deadlifting. I know that not everyone agrees, but it's far less anxiety producing in my opinion.
  • Fullsterkur_woman
    Fullsterkur_woman Posts: 2,712 Member
    I'm of the opinion that the only weight that matters is the weight on the bar that I'm lifting/squatting/deadlifting. I know that not everyone agrees, but it's far less anxiety producing in my opinion.
    And there's no fluctuations due to sodium, glycogen depletion, or hormones. There's just, "did I hoist it up or not?" That's what I love best!
  • DaddieCat
    DaddieCat Posts: 3,643 Member
    I'm of the opinion that the only weight that matters is the weight on the bar that I'm lifting/squatting/deadlifting. I know that not everyone agrees, but it's far less anxiety producing in my opinion.
    And there's no fluctuations due to sodium, glycogen depletion, or hormones. There's just, "did I hoist it up or not?" That's what I love best!

    Exactly. Everyone wins... except the weights... they get dizzy.

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