The 30-Day Weight Loss Challenge That Actually Works

Setting a healthy, realistic weight loss goal will help you to motivate yourself and track your progress. If you’re embarking on a long-term lifestyle change, it may be helpful to set multiple, short-term goals. That way, you won’t feel overwhelmed. The satisfaction you feel when you reach these goals will help you to stay motivated. It’s a good idea to consult your doctor to help you determine your goal weight. Losing too much weight too quickly can be dangerous, unhealthy, and unsustainable for the long term. In most cases, experts agree that a healthy, realistic weight loss goal is one to two pounds per week. Having unrealistic expectations, and working toward unobtainable goals, only sets you up for failure and disappointment. A reasonable, achievable weight loss goal, on the other hand, will guide and motivate you throughout your weight-loss journey.

Here are a few tips to remember when setting a weight loss goal:

1. Be as specific as you can

Being specific with your goals will ultimately help you achieve them. Instead of stating that you will eat healthy, state that you will add more protein to your meals or vegetables. Or, instead of saying you'll exercise more, say the exact way you will exercise, like, "I will set a side 30 minutes to walk on the treadmill."

2. Be realistic

As we said above, unrealistic gals can be dangerous, unhealthy and unsustainable. If you need help to determine the right amount of weight you should lose, consult a doctor. They will help you determine the amount of calories you should have based off of your weight and health.

3. Make sure you are able to track your goal

With any goal, you should keep track of how many pounds you are losing and how you are losing them. Not only will this help measure your progress, it'll also help you stay motivated.