How to Set a Weight Loss Goal for an Upcoming Event

An upcoming event can be a good motivator for starting a healthy diet and exercise routine. Whether the event is in a few weeks and you just want to fit into a special outfit, or you want to lose a significant amount of weight for an event farther in the future, setting a goal is an important first step. Keeping your goal in mind can help you stick to your weight loss plans, increasing your chances of success.

Instructions

• 1

  Mark the date of the event and count the number of days, weeks or months, you will have to prepare. This will give you a realistic picture of the amount of weight you can safely lose during this time frame.

• 2

  Step on the scales. You will need an accurate measure of your current weight to determine how much weight you want to lose before the event and to gauge your progress. Be careful to set a realistic goal that you can safely attain. One to 2 lbs. per week is considered a safe number, according to the Mayo Clinic, though you may lose more than that during your first week.

• 3

  Create a diet plan. In order to lose weight, you will need to reduce your daily calorie intake. Online tools, such as the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Pyramid, are available to log your current weight and weight loss goal to determine the number of calories you will need every day and offer suggestions for healthy eating.

• 4

  Choose an exercise routine according to your health and fitness level. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, recommend 60 to 75 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise at least five days a week. If you have a health condition or have never exercised before, consult with your doctor before beginning an exercise routine. Try to choose activities that you enjoy so that you are more likely to stick with your plan.

• 5

  Put it all in writing. Write down your current weight, your weight loss goal for the event, and your plan for achieving your goal, including the diet strategies you have chosen and an exercise schedule. Having a written game plan helps you remain accountable to yourself, making you more likely to stick to your goal and achieve success.