Whatever we do in life, it is important to have goals. We need to have a clear target in order to hit it.
It is not enough just to want to be slim. We have to define exactly what that means to us.
At the same time, we need to accept that our goals may change as we progress along the path to our new self.
In some cases, a doctor will advise us that we need to lose a certain amount of weight. However, it is always best to set your own targets. This way, you are not doing it to please somebody else.
Goals may be in terms of weight, but they may also focus on clothing size or level of fitness. If you have been slimmer or fitter in the past, the best first goal is often a weight, size or fitness level that you maintained for at least a year as an adult. If you have always been overweight, try to remember what size or weight you were at the age of 18 or 21. That's your first major goal.
When you reach that goal, you may want to go lower, but it's often best to concentrate on maintaining at first. It's probably been a long time since you were at this weight. Allow yourself a plateau so that you can mentally and physically adjust to your new self, before going further.
Your final goal may be the top or the middle point of the healthy weight range for your height. There is no need to go lower than that.
If you have a lot to lose, it can also help to set mini goals. This might be every time you drop 2 clothing sizes, every 20 pounds, or whatever feels right for you.
Allow yourself a small non-food treat every time you reach a mini goal, and plan bigger treats like a vacation for your major goals. This will help to motivate you, especially as you draw closer to your goals.
