We all need to set goals in life - otherwise how do you know when you have achieved something? So goals for your weight loss are no different you just need to be realistic in your targets.
It's vital that you set yourself realistic weight loss goals once you've made the decision to start losing some weight. Slimming is hard enough without having set yourself a goal that you can't possibly meet.
For your weight loss to be a success, you have to have a plan and a goal that are sustainable for the long term. One of the keys to the longevity of keeping the pounds off is to follow a healthy weight loss goal. Many diet plans ou there encourage the loss of weight to be rapid, especially in the first few weeks of the diet.
The problem with this approach is that not only is it not sustainable, its unhealthy. Far better to lose weight in a gradual and consistent manner that you can keep going long-term.
There's no right or wrong answer here to be honest.
One to two pounds per week is generally held to be a healthy rate of weight loss. It doesn't sound like much compared with the promises of the wonder diets, but in six months you would lose between 26 and 50 pounds (or 22kg - equivalent to 22 small bags of sugar).
One of the benefits of steady progress like this is that it really does help to motivate you. Rapid weight loss that tails off, after the initial euphoria, is very de-motivating. It's fantastic to lose 5 or 6 pounds the first week, but three or four weeks into it when you suddenly stop losing such dramatic weight, you're ready to quit.
For you to stick with anything you have to have regular positive feedback realistic goals and steady weight loss will give you that.
Additionally, programmes that help you lose weight slowly and gradually are much more likely to follow the principles of natural weight loss. Natural weight loss is a process that allows the body to rid itself of excess pounds without undue stress. Rapid weight loss, on the other hand, stresses out the body, and ultimately encourages it to put weight back on.
So to get your slimming underway, start with good resolutions. Commit to a sensible plan that will allow you to gradually lose weight, and keep it off long-term. You'll not only look better, but feel better too!