Setting Goals?
Posted by nmpixie on Feb 22, 2010 · Member since Jan 2008 · 1243 posts
I couldn't find this exact thread, so forgive me if I missed it. So, due to two late miscarriages in a year, I'm about 40 pounds heavier than I was last Feb. The problem is, I have no idea how to set a realistic weight-loss goal. I've never dieted or tried to lose weight before. I have The Bollywood Dance Workout, A bellydancing workout DVD, and Wii Fit. But what do I try to lose in a week? A month? 5 pounds a month? 10? Can anyone enlighten me?
ETA: I'm sick to death of wearing maternity clothes!
I'm sorry to hear about what happened. It must be very difficult.
For weight loss, everyone is different. I know a lot of people set specific amounts to lose over a week or whatever, but I've never thought that's very healthy. It would be better to work out a food and exercise plan and then make a point of sticking to it for a week, a month, and so on. You might lose a lot in the first week. Or not any until a couple of weeks. People vary so much it's hard to give specific timelines, but with consistency you should be able to get back to your normal weight.
Thanks, mariajreeves. I guess I'll just see what happens. :P
I say this all the time. . . Diets don't work. Lifestyle changes do.
The changes you make in your life have to be part of your routine. They can't be inconvenient or you will find excuses to fail.
Simple rules. . .
Watch your portions: Eat half of what you usually eat and wait 15 or 20 minutes before you have the rest, or that second helping.
Eat out less often: Restaurants ALWAYS serve portions that are too large and, if you are like me, you feel obligated to finish it.
Watching calories gets faster weight loss results than exercising: You should exercise too, but always remember that 1 bagel will cost you 45 minutes on the elliptical.
Eat low calorie bulky foods and less high calories foods: Get full off the lettuce, broccoli, mushrooms, etc. and add the fats and high calories stuff for flavor. KEEP FRESH VEGETABLE ON HAND. If you don't have fresh veggies you will resolve to eating canned and processed foods.
Watch the fats and carbs: Not all calories are created equal. Your body burns calories just to convert some things to body fat. Equal calories of fat, carbs and protein will result in more more or less body fat (in that order).
It's easier to keep weight off than to take it off: Be prepared to go hungry while you are reducing your caloric intake.
A few years ago I was 212 lbs. I'm now 155 but I can lift the whole rack on the pec-fly machine (305 lbs).
nmpixie, I'm so sorry about your loss.
I am also clueless about this stuff, but I must say, I enjoyed the Bollywood Dance Workout. I got it from the library and did it like once. I should buy some workout dvds.