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When you want to achieve a realistic and healthy goal weight, you need to consider and do the following: keep track of your weight loss progress and set a realistic goal weight.

In your quest for a leaner body, it is necessary that you aim for a healthy one. To do so, you have to ensure that you carry out these important ways in order to achieve a realistic and healthy goal weight:

Keep track of your weight loss progress

Oftentimes, you may feel disappointed realizing that your weight has remained the same even with your constant and regular exercise program. It is helpful to follow any improvement on your weight. This is possible by:

• tracking your body fat percentage – if you track your body fat, you will understand further the extent of the need to shed of fat from your body to lose weight. It can happen that your scale weight is the same even when you already have slimmed down. This is especially true when your gaining muscle as you lose your body fat.
• using the scale – using a scale is the least on the list when wanting to determine any progress in your body weight. It measures basically everything from bones, muscle, fat, organs to even your water intake. It does not help you determine on the ones you have lost or gained during your weight loss program. It may not be as popular as the other tool in tracking your weight, but it can be used effectively when combined with your body fat percentage.
• taking your measurements – this does not require any complicated equipment at all. This will aid you in identifying which parts of your body is losing fat. You should measure your chest, waist, bust, hips, waist, upper arm, calves, and forearm.
• assess how you look – this is, of course, the simplest. Take a look at yourself in the mirror and see how you look. You can even take a photo of yourself once a month and compare these photos. Find out if there are any changes, whether you look slimmer or heavier.

Set a realistic goal weight

First things first, set a weight loss goal that is absolutely realistic. Work on a goal weight that is achievable so as not to end up being frustrated. Ultimately, your goal should be a healthy weight. So, consult your doctor first. Realistic goal is positive, precise, prioritized, planned and performance-based. Along with setting a realistic goal weight, you also need to consider these two:

• BMI or body mass index – it is important to consider your BMI in setting your goal weight since it helps your doctor in determining any risks on any weight related health issues. Your body mass index or BMI is derived by dividing your weight (in pounds) by your height (in inches squared)., and multiplying it by 705.
• WHR or waist-to-hip ratio – your waist-to-hip ratio is also usually considered by your doctor. You can calculate it by taking the circumference of your waist and dividing it by the circumference of your hip using a tape measure. Women with ratios higher than 0.85 and men with ratios higher than 0.09 are likely to develop cardiovascular diseases.

It is best to note that an exercise program along with a healthy diet are necessary in achieving the body weight you always wanted to have. Just make sure you choose the ones that fit you right. Always remember that a surgery is not always the solution for a leaner body. If you plan to go on a diet, be sure to read books to thoroughly increase your awareness and knowledge. Reading the every other day diet ebook might be of help to you too.