Measuring Success in Weight Loss=Ten Pound Weight Loss
When people are starting their weight loss journey, they always sent themselves some type of goal. Some set a goal to lose “X” amount of weight. Some set more detailed goals to lose “X” amont of weight.
To reach their weight loss goals, people use various diets, pills, and drinks combined with exercise. There are so many weight loss gimmicks out there, with more being presented every day. It’s a real money maker for these companies.
I’ve read a ton of books on weight loss and tried so many methods of weight loss. I find I get discouraged. When that happens, I gain back the weight I’ve lost. I’ve been analyzing why this happen to me. I’ve decided it is because of the way I measure success!! I always set myself up for failure….thus leading to my weight gain.
I have redefined success in my weight loss journey. I am looking at the positive things I do each day and realizing it is a success. Example: Delivering meals on wheels. (I know….you are thinking….what is she talking about.) I now see delivering these meals is two hours of exercise. Jumping in and out of the car, walking to the door with the food…..it’s burning calories.
For me, it is taking a look at my day and seeing all the positive things I’ve done and realizing it’s been a successful day for me. I make sure I document it all in my weight loss journal.
I’ve talked before about setting realistic goals. I have found for me, the most important thing is measuring my success. Of course, some days are better than others but each day, I find I’ve made at least on successful choice. It is keeping me on track and I feel so much better. (I’ve lost another 10 pounds!!!!)
I know I haven’t made a post in sometime but I’m back and will be sharing some of my experiences of late in upcoming posts.
We’ve got a heat advisory out for today so I’m going to get my running done before it gets too hot. I hope you all have a great day. Toodles….I’m off to the store!!!!
June 28th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Great post and great blog, lots of useful information and have already bookmarked your blog. Thank you and keep up the great work
June 28th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
It’s extremely important to measure your success in small increments, like ten pounds at a time. I used to have goals, every time I hit a 5 or a 0.
I started at 344 pounds, so my first was goal was 339, then 334, 329, etc. I kept it small and they’ve added up. Right now, I’m at 252 pounds and my next goal is 249!
June 29th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Congrats on your weight loss!
June 30th, 2009 at 11:11 am
I’ve been watching your blog for a while now and you’ve inspired me to start my own weightloss blog to keep track on my own weightloss and new lifestyle. I’m glad you’re back writing and I’m looking forward to following your blog further.
-Dev.
July 1st, 2009 at 4:59 am
Hey Chris.
Stick at it!
Here’s the rules I’ve followed in my life:
1. If your goal is weight/fat loss then use more energy (calories) than you put in your mouth. On some level, it’s all about the math. And way simpler than many would have you believe.
2. If you’re not ready to change then articles like this are a waste of your time.
3. Make exercise a daily non-negotiable, not a “when-I-can-fit-it-in” behaviour.
4. It’s hard because you make it hard.
5. Keep an exercise and food diary. Even for a while.
6. It’s all about what you do when people aren’t watching. You know what I mean.
7. Stop procrastinating and talking about what you’re going to do when the time is right. We don’t believe you any more.
8. Exercise early in the day when possible. It’s good for your body and even better for your head.
9. Don’t try to undo years (or decades) of abuse by next Friday. The more drastic and numerous the changes, the less likely you are to maintain any of them. Slow and steady, Grasshoppers.
10. Finish what you start. Many people spend their life not finishing stuff. If that’s you, change. Now. Today. Don’t be precious, be practical.
July 1st, 2009 at 11:09 am
People who the lose the weight and are able to keep the weight off for at least 6 months are the people who are successful. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve got down to my target weight and then regained all the pounds that I lost.
Setting targets is all well and good, but if it’s killing you to reach them. It’s highly likely you will return to your old ways and put back on all the weight you have lost and more.
Tyler is right you should measure your success in small increments, one baby step at a time.
July 1st, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Hey there. I think you are completely right. When you look at things other than the numbers moving on the scale, you tend to be more motivated and keep at it. In the past for me it was always, Oh, I have 200 pounds to lose, so if I lose 1.5 this week, well, that is not enough. Now it is, Look, I can climb those stairs without getting out of breath!
Keep at it; you’re doing great!!
July 14th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
I really like this post, it really shows how not to set yourself up to fail! It’s easier to see and measure smaller increments of weight loss. For instance, if your goal is to lose 50 pounds, you might get discouraged after only losing 4 or 5. But if you set a smaller goal, to lose 5 pounds first, that seems easier and more manageable than a larger goal. Sometimes it’s not the numbers on the scale either. Your goal can be to run a mile or something similar. Good luck on your journey!
July 15th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Hey Chris,
I’ve only just discovered your blog but this post is very inspiring.
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head that for most of us diets=disappointment.
All the best on your journey and I look forward to reading more.
To your success,
Rich Pargeter
July 20th, 2009 at 8:25 am
I have to agree with Rich above (and I also just found your blog). This post is inspiring and I’m thankful you posted it… just what I needed to hear.
August 9th, 2009 at 6:44 am
Yes. Certain keeping a journal is most effective. Review your activities & meal intake can help you to look into how to improve it. One of my friend has always got problem to reduce weight. I had advice her to keep a journal and set smaller goal monthly. Since then, she had loose 5 ~ 8 lbs/month constantly for 4~5 months to achieve her ideal weight.
Wising you great success! I am sure You can do it. Make sure you enjoy your weight loss program along the way & make it fun. Cheers!
August 12th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Hey, these posts are fantastic. You’re funny and engaging and very honest – it’s very inspirational. Keep it up!