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Ready to set your goal weight? The process can be both overwhelming and confusing. Our pros give their advice on finding that magic number.
First, let's discuss the process for goal setting. When you first join Weight Watchers, you're encouraged simply to focus on losing an initial 10 percent of your starting weight. This mini goal helps reduce the anxiety you might feel when thinking about the total amount of weight you'd like to lose. Once you hit your 10-percent target, you are encouraged to set another interim weight goal or your ultimate one. The problem that many members face is that they really don't know how to hone in on that perfect final number.
Perhaps it has been several years since you've been there, perhaps never. Here's a refresher: Your ultimate weight goal must be at least five pounds less than your joining weight, and should fall within the Weight Watchers healthy weight ranges. The goal may fall outside the weight ranges if accompanied by a note from a healthcare professional recommending that weight.
Start with these numbers for an idea of a healthy range of weight to focus on. These weights are based on the healthy BMI range and the number spans about 20 pounds from the low end to the high end of that bracket. To find the perfect weight for you in that range, ask yourself some questions first.
Questions to think about when setting your ultimate weight goal.
*Within that healthy range for your height and age, what is a smaller, five-pound range that might be a comfortable initial target for you?
*Is there a number that you have weighed before that felt comfortable on your frame? A number at which you felt your best within the last five years?
*Has it been more than 10 years since you had a weight goal? If so, you may want to revisit your goal and adjust it to account for subtle changes in your body as you've aged.
*If you're near the end of your weight loss, has the pace of your loss slowed down? Are you struggling with every tenth of a pound? This can be an indicator that your body has found a comfortable, healthy stopping point. Be careful not to push past a healthy weight to a weight that will be difficult to maintain.
*As you near goal, can you still enjoy your life? Are you able to dine out and enjoy the way you are eating, or are you restricting everything and denying yourself realistic indulgences?
*When you find a goal you can maintain in a realistic fashion, ask yourself if you'd be happy at this number in 10 years. Choosing a realistic, maintainable goal helps ensure that you will be there 10 years from now!
As you approach those last 10 pounds, set small goals to lose two pounds at a time. As you get closer to your goal, each pound becomes more dramatic and you may find that you are comfortable weighing a few pounds more than you originally thought.
If you are attending meetings, your Coach can be a valuable resource. Many of us have a general range we would like to end within, but little to no idea of where to finally settle. Don't want to talk to your Coach? Ask the Community for some feedback.
Remember that you can change your weight goal at any time. It's not a permanent commitment. Be sure to listen to you body and mind as you work to discover, establish and maintain your goal.
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