5 ways to sensible weight loss

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Research shows,to a large extent, that overweight people are often controlled by the many signals in their environment that trigger eating and inactivity, e.g. sight or smell of food.

With all the temptation around us, the experts offer tips on setting realistic weight loss goals.  Recommendations usually come down to following a few simple strategies.

Goal setting is an important factor in accomplishing your lifestyle changes and weigh loss.  Companies such as Weight Watchers, encourage their clients to set goals and follow a simple food and exercise plan.

 

             Resolve to lose slowly.

• Most clinicians would say losing five to ten percent of your start weight is achievable. So if you weigh 200 pounds, a reachable target would be to lose 10 to 20 pounds.

• Do the math.

  To stay healthy , a realistic goal is losing 1 to 2 pounds a week. 

  That means being realistic about your time frame. If you need to lose 25 pounds, then you are embarking on at least a three-month program.

Success can be achieved by eating less and exercising more.

• Set short term goals.

  Simply put, focus on the small successes.  Instead of focusing on losing 25 pounds, go for that first 5-pound loss.  Celebrate each time you reach

your goal.

• Track your progress.

  Record your successes in a way that works for you. Take advantage of online programs, use a notebook, or keep a journal. Whatever keeps you on track.  A small reward is a good thing when success is achieved.

• Think about long-term goals.

  Start out with the small every day goals and work towards a big goal.   If your long-term goal is losing 50 pounds in a year, for example, maybe your short-term goal is getting through the day without over eating.

There's an old saying: Lose it slowly, keep it off. This adage makes sense for at least one reason: Losing weight slowly means you've had time to develop new behaviors, like eating less each day and exercising more.

And when you focus on the process of changing your habits - not just on losing weight - those new and healthier habits will be a big boost in helping you attain your weight loss goals.  Always, remember to talk your weight loss plans over with your doctor.