[road2lane]

Hi, I just started this journey on 1/16... I am wanting to set monthly goals but I honestly don't know what makes sense? I have lost 11 pounds since 1/16. I am 269 now. What would be a logical monthly goal for me? I go to the gym everyday and have cut calories. I want a logical, doable goal, but also somewhat of challenge to set for myself... My goal weight by 1/1/2016 is to be at 199. In ya'lls opinion, is that doable or am I setting it for too much or too less? My FINAL goal is to be 160 but I don't know how for when I should set myself to weigh that.

[sunarie]

I honestly don't like time-based goals because then if I don't meet it, it's always a let down and I end up focused on that instead of the losses I did achieve. I do participate in challenges (which have a set time and aim for a goal weight).. but I also don't place a whole lot of stock in them and getting to that weight.. I just sorta lose as I lose.

I know timed goals do work for some people, helps them keep on track. If you feel like you need them to keep on track, or they'll help significantly, then I'd probably say 1-2lbs per week, which comes out to 5-10 lbs per month. That's the healthy loss rate recommended by most doctors, gives your body time to adjust, and is sustainable even after you leave the initial wooshing losses us higher starting weight folks tend to get at first. 1lb a week, the lower end, also leaves room for you to slip up every so often (it happens to everyone) and still meet your goals.

[ryanbrowning115]

I look at goals very differently. While yes I do have bigger goals that are always on my mind, I really try and focus on mini weekly goals. So my goal right now is to meal prep for each meal/snack for two weeks and go to the gym 8 times in two weeks. If I hit this then I am only getting closer to my bigger goals, and these are much more attainable and rewarding when you hit them.

[nickilaughs]

70 # in a year is very plausible. Especially when you start with higher weights. Thats 7 lbs a month. About 1.3 lbs a week. That requires a very consistent diet change. There are lots n of online calculators that will tell you what you need to eat calorie wise daily to reach that goal. Most people underestimate how many calories they are eating
Highly recommend low intensity exercise at first, get your hr in the 130 to 140 range 3x a week. When its easier and you've lost some weight, then start with high intensity intervals. Its hard work, but worth it!