If you want to lose weight, you’re more likely to succeed if you set yourself a suitable goal. But how do you do this?
Use the ‘SMART‘ acronym (which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-constrained) will make this much easier.
Specific – instead of thinking “I’d like to lose some weight“, be specific about how much – half a stone, a stone? After this, work out how much you’d like to weigh and think in terms of this, rather than in terms of loss e.g. “I’d like to weigh 9 and a half stone” rather than “I’d like to lose half a stone“. Doing this will positively reinforce the ‘new you’ in your subconscious and make it easier to make lifestyle changes you need to reach your target weight.
Measurable – choose an actual amount of weight and keep a diary of your change in weight over time. That way, you can measure your exact weight change rather than trying to remember.
Achievable/Realistic – use a body mass index calculator to find the ideal weight range for your height. Is you weight loss achievable? Can you make the lifestyle changes required to reach your goal? Can you do it in the time-frame you set (see the next point for this one!)?
Time-constrained – set a time limit for the weight loss – that makes it a better goal to work towards. You might think of this in terms of time, or an upcoming holiday. Losing half a stone in weight suddenly becomes easier when you set a realistic time – assuming a weight loss of 1-2lbs a week, you can lose half a stone in 3.5-7 weeks. Can you make the changes required to do it in 3.5 weeks, or do you want to achieve it at a slower steady pace and manage it in seven weeks?
