5 Ways to Set Better Weight Loss Goals

Every weight loss journey begins with at least one goal in mind, but many hopeful dieters lose their steam early on in the process. Weight loss, especially when your goal is to lose a significant amount of weight, is no walk in the park. 

In order to achieve your weight loss goals, setting them intentionally and correctly in the first place will enable you to make the lifestyle changes that will help you shed those extra pounds. Here’s how to set realistic, attainable weight loss goals to improve your health and minimize your waistline. 

1. Think Both Long and Short Term

Weight loss programs typically begin with the end in mind, but focusing on the bigger picture can sometimes make the weight loss process feel overwhelming, unattainable or too difficult to complete. By breaking long-term goals down into smaller, shorter term goals, weight loss becomes more achievable and accessible. 

Long term goals are helpful in that they help dieters to imagine more comprehensive lifestyle changes. To translate these ideas into short term goals, find small milestones to achieve along the way. If you’d like to lose 30 pounds, set a goal for about 4-5 pounds per month, and take steps to make it happen by going for more walks, investing in lifestyle weight loss plans like the Thrive Experience or filling up your dinner plate with fibrous vegetables. 

2. Set SMART Goals

When setting weight loss goals, the SMART framework is an excellent tool to set a practical structure for your weight loss journey. The SMART goal setting method stands for these five elements: 

• Specific - The more clear-cut your goals are, the easier it will be to define what it takes.
• Measurable - Goals with progress that  can be tracked help to keep you on track.
• Attainable - Set goals with reasonable expectations in mind when it comes to the outcome.
• Realistic - Be cognizant of the limits and capabilities of your time, effort and resources.
• Time-bound - Set both long and short term goals with specific, realistic timelines.

When setting SMART goals, ask yourself a few questions about why, how and what you’d like to accomplish on your journey. The more specific and realistic you can be in goal-setting, the more likely you are to reach your goals in the end.

3. Focus on the Process

Most goals are outcome-focused, and weight loss is no different. You probably know about how much weight you’d like to have lost in the end of your focused weight loss efforts, and maybe even have that one magic number on the scale or ideal pant size in mind at the starting line. 

These outcome-focused goals, however, don’t outline the process. If your outcome goal is to drop a dress size, process goals detail how you’ll get there. A process-focused goal emphasizes positive behaviors that help to achieve an outcome, such as eating the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, drinking 64 ounces of water or getting 30 minutes of exercise in a single day. 

4. Create a “Yes” Environment

Achieving your weight loss goals becomes a lot harder when faced with processed foods, sugary drinks and invitations to happy hour. The more temptations you’re confronted with, the harder it is to say no. To keep yourself on track, keep only nutrient-dense, healthful food and snacks on hand. 

To take it even further, get ahead of potentially unhealthy cravings by carrying a few healthy snacks with you and staying hydrated throughout the day. Fill up on protein-rich and fibrous foods before indulging on anything that could stall your progress. 

5. Accept Roadblocks

Most who ditch weight loss programs do so due to feeling discouraged by setbacks or lack of motivation, but weight loss plateaus, indulgent meals, busy schedules and holidays are a fact of life. By accepting barriers as part of the process, you can keep your eyes on the prize and get back on track when you fall off the wagon. 

Take time to periodically reassess your goals and, no matter what, stay hopeful. Weight loss is challenging, but focusing on positive lifestyle changes, setting attainable goals and proper planning can ease the process significantly.