Set Realistic Goals and Expectations

Setting realistic goals and having realistic expectations is critical to successful weight management.  Setting your expectations appropriately goes hand-in-hand with having patience.  Once you have made the commitment to have patience, you will be more apt to set realistic goals.  Rome was not built in a day, and likewise, you will not reach your weight management goals in a day. 

Take time to celebrate each small step toward your goal.  Continue to celebrate how far you have come, instead of focusing on how far you have to go.

Helpful tips for setting realistic goals and expectations include:

• Aim to lose weight slowly (1-2 pounds per week).  Studies have shown that those who lose weight slowly, tend to have a better chance at keeping it off.  It is recommended that you do not lose more than 10% of your body weight over a 6 month period.  A smaller amount of weight loss that can be maintained provides more health benefits than losing a greater amount of weight that is regained.

• Be aware that the more weight you have to lose, the faster it will come off.
  
• During your weight loss, you will reach plateaus, where you may not lose weight for a week or so.  Do not get discouraged. This is normal.  When you hit plateaus, remember to vary your diet and exercise programs.