How sensible is it to set weight loss goals? - ThinnerTimes

deadboy · 05-30-2006, 07:13 AM

Short term goals I mean. It seems everyone loses weight at different rates. So is it really even possible to set realistic goals in this area? In the 3 weeks since my surgery, I've lost more weight that I had thought to lose in 3 months. My goal was to be mobile and able to walk around for a convention I'm attending in Atlanta in August. Right now I'm more mobile and can walk farther than I have been able to for years. My lower back pain, which used to kick in after a few minutes of standing, is totally gone. At this point I've already met my goal for August. Where do I go from here? What is a sensible thing to shoot for?

I'm hesitant to set it too high, because I don't want the inevitable depression and self recrimination if I miss it by very much. I also don't want to set it too low. Should I even bother setting a goal other than my target weight?

LisaBoston · 05-30-2006, 07:44 AM

Ron, good question. I asked this a while back and had a variety of responses. I worried that if I set too high, that I was still overweight, and if too low, that I wouldn't get there and feel like a failure. I don't set short term goals as I let myself down (and the only way I could set them would be to compare to others, which is not a good habit).

So I originally set my goal at 160 - which is normal. I then changed mine to 180 as this was a good weight for me at one point in my life. I would still be overweight, but I thinks its a reasonable goal for me. When I get there, between my body and me, we will see if its happy, if not I will adjust.

Reality..........I can do so much more now - ie: active exercise without pain and I have more energy throughout the day....I have already achieved my fitness goals so that is wonderful. There is so much more to this than the number on the scale....I have to remind myself (and others have to remind me) that the scale is only one part of the big picture.

coptergirl · 05-30-2006, 08:18 AM

It is very good to have goals, but it is also very healthy to be loving and gracious to yourself if you do not attain those goals. I try to set mini goals daily - today, in addition to getting all of my protein and water in, I will walk 2 1/2 miles and pay the bills. It is easy to get the protein and water in, but I have to motivate myself with the excercise by getting it on my to-do list

On the other hand - you sound like you are doing great - congrats on being pain free. It does sound like you will reach your goal for August!

Gina · 05-30-2006, 08:44 AM

This is my two cents... there does not seem to be any rhyme or reason to my loss. It happens when my body gets dang good and ready and not ONE minute earlier. I have tried watching EVERYTHING, and not lose a pound... then not give a darn and drop three. To set a goal of say 10 pounds in a month, for me personally is a dangerous thing. I remember I set one for my anniversary and though hey I can lose these 8 pound before then... I hit the MOTHER of all plateaus... lasted 6 WEEKS.. I was devestated...

I learned to try not to worry too much about goals and just do what is right. Do I still weigh everyday? Yes I do... Do I still get upset if I go for days with no loss? yes I do.. but I have stopped putting pressure on myself as if I can control when my body decides to let go of more weight.

Again ... just my two cents

Leanne · 05-30-2006, 08:54 AM

I have been setting mini goals, but with no particular date. My first goal was to get below 200. My second was to weigh less than my husband (185) and my next goal was to hit 165 which was my weight when I met my husband 14 years ago. My next goal is to hit 156 which will make me normal weight for an american my height. I didnt' want to attach dates as that would drive me mental!!!

So far I have met them earlier than I thought I would, but am now on a killer plateau. It is driving me crazy!! I am going to go on the plateau buster diet for a few days, last time it worked like a charm and I started dropping withing a couple of days.

deadboy · 05-30-2006, 09:29 AM

Right now I think my goals are gonna be simple. I'd like to move from walking to jogging before my 2 month anniversary. I'd also like to start doing some sort of upper body excercise to add a little muscle tone there/prevent further muscle loss. I think as far as weight loss I'm just gonna take it as it comes. At least until it plateaus.

Thanks for your input

lealphachienne · 05-30-2006, 10:13 AM

It's realistic to set liefstyle goals, like walking a certian distance, or being able to complete a certain activity. Even with a weigh or size goal isn't bad to set as long as you are good to yourself if you don't quie achieve it by a certain time frame. I set my weight goal at 120, my doc never set one.He just told m one day at my appointmet that I was at a good weight, which at the tim was around 135. After I got over the inital 6 month fear of never going to lose th weight, I just forgot abou it the numbers and started to focu on my feelings and abilities. Like parking my car in a tight space and being able to get in and out by going theough the window!

Dyann · 05-30-2006, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coptergirl

It is very good to have goals, but it is also very healthy to be loving and gracious to yourself if you do not attain those goals. I try to set mini goals daily - today, in addition to getting all of my protein and water in, I will walk 2 1/2 miles and pay the bills. It is easy to get the protein and water in, but I have to motivate myself with the excercise by getting it on my to-do list

On the other hand - you sound like you are doing great - congrats on being pain free. It does sound like you will reach your goal for August!

Whitney...what you call goals, I call my to do list including the fluids and protein. I actually write it all down with my chores and get a sense of accomplishment everyday when I can check it off. I set a 3 month, 6 month, and 18 month goal. I only used the average expected weight loss based on percentage of excess weight. Other than that it is daily task to stay on track. I think if you can get through the days, the pounds, energy, health and stamina follow. It all averages out in the end.

Dyann · 05-30-2006, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leanne

I
So far I have met them earlier than I thought I would, but am now on a killer plateau. It is driving me crazy!! I am going to go on the plateau buster diet for a few days, last time it worked like a charm and I started dropping withing a couple of days.

What is the plateau buster diet??

Leanne · 05-30-2006, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyann

What is the plateau buster diet??

* 3oz's of the following up to 5x's per day:
beef, pork, chicken, turkey, lamb, fish, eggs, l/fat cheese, l/fat cottage cheese, yogurt, peanut butter, beans

* all you want: no calorie liquids, broth, s/f jello

* 45 gms protein supplements daily

* 64 oz of water daily

* 30 minutes of exercise daily

*do for 10 days and if it's not on the list, you don't eat it.