Weight loss goals

It's vital that you set yourself realistic weight loss goals once you've made the decision to start slimming. Slimming is hard enough without having weight loss goals that you won't be able to meet.

For your slimming to be successful, you have to have a plan that is sustainable in the long term. One of the keys to that is healthy weight loss. Many diets aim to have you lose weight very rapidly, particularly to start with. The problem with this approach is that not only is it not sustainable, it's unhealthy. Far better to lose weight in a gradual and consistent manner that you can keep going long-term.

A pound 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'd lose 26 pounds, and in a year over 50 pounds!

One of the benefits of steady progress like this is that it helps to motivate you. Rapid weight loss that tails off is very de-motivating - it's great when you lose 5 or 6 pounds the first week, but three or four weeks into it when you suddenly stop losing 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!