How should I set my goals?

[LandonsBaby]

I've heard many times that when you embark on a fitness journey you need to have definate goals. I used to make goals but they were ridiculous and all about the scale and being entirely too thin. I'm done with all that. But now that I'm trying the healthy way, I've joined a group of women I know in a weight loss accountability group. I'm also joining another group in a few weeks. We have to define our goals. The questions you have to fill in are:

What is my total weight loss goal is ______
I think I can accomplish this in _______ number of months
My weight loss goal for this 8 week session is _______

Well, this is all find and dandy but I don't have a total weight loss goal and I don't know how long its going to take me to get where I want to go. I have to figure in the fact that I have chronic illness and never know when I'm going to be hit with something that takes me out for while. I lose very slowly on the scale..very. I want to lose fat, that is a definate. I also want to gain a lot of muscle. How should I set measurable goals for myself?

I have been at this for 3 months now. I've lost 9lbs, 5 inches off my waist and 1/2 inch off my hips. I should mention that setting a short term scale goal isn't that difficult. I do know that I want to keep losing more weight for a while. I've got a ways to go.

 

[maleficent]

a reasonable goal for the majority of people is 1 percent of body fat a week -but every body is different and you have to be satisfied with your own goals.

Goals should be attainable and realistic to your situation and only you know what they that is...

a goal weight does not have to be a number on a scale -read around some of the stickied trheads -the number on the scale is just a number - it's not a true test of what you've accomplished.

make your goal something you can check off -

Workout xx amount of times a week
Eat xx servings of vegetables a day..
Have xxx amount of calories a day...

Something youcan check off... and don't worry about the number on the scale...

Do the right things and the results will speak for themselves

 

[yarmiah]

Congratz on the loss thus far!

From all I've read, a loss of 1.5lb- 2 lbs a week is a good weekly goal to shoot for.
This may help you with your long term goals, but having short term goals is a great tool to help ya along the way.
I agree with Mal - goals dont necessarily have to be about the pounds. Include other healthy things that can include exercise, healthy foods, and inches.

Keep up the great work!