Question

I'd like your thoughts.  A couple colleagues, who are on their own weight loss journeys but not WW, asked what my goal weight is.I'd like your thoughts. A couple colleagues, who are on their own weight loss journeys but not WW, asked what my goal weight is. I told them. They they asked by when. That question I have no answer for and that seemed unacceptable to them and made me question my approach. I want to lose 35-45 lbs but I also am working on creating a healthier relationship with food. Will I reach my goal on 2 months (I wish! ) or a year? I don't know. My journey might have ups and downs and good weeks and bad and it doesn't stop at goal. My question is, should I be giving myself some sort of timetable to meet? Is that helpful?  

Answer 1

You're building a healthier eating lifestyle. Don't add anymore pressure on yourself. PS----> nobody outside of my family knows I'm a WW since 1979. It's nobody's business.  

Comments

@pervious that's right no pressure in your life

Answer 2

No. You can’t determine when that will happen. You’re doing it the healthy way, and that’s what counts.  

Answer 3

It depends on you. I don’t have a time table because my journey is MY journey and I’ll do it on my own terms. Do I have small goals? Yup. Do I have a deadline? Nope. That would stress me out. But that’s me. It’s not the same for everyone else. You do you. ❤️

Answer 4

Since it's more about life style change and food-relationship change, I never gave myself a time limit.  

Answer 5

I personally haven’t given myself a time frame. I’m working on developing healthy habits. I want to lose slowly so I don’t gain it all back. We didn’t gain it all in 4 or 6 weeks. I think it’s unrealistic to think we would lose it all in a month or 2.  

Answer 6

I personally don’t have a time frame. As long as I am moving down not up (generally speaking) it’s good for me. If I set a date and miss it it would discourage me. Everyone has heir own way of going about this we should do what works for us as individuals. If no times frame works for you then that’s fine.  

Answer 7

No. take your time! It's better to lose it slow. It will stay off with consistent Eating Behavior! Good job!  

Answer 8

That’s a lot of weight to lose in a couple of months!  

Answer 9

We all have good weeks and bad weeks so I don’t know how I would choose a timetable.  

Answer 10

No. I am on the same journey as you are, trying to make healthier choices and better eating habits. There is no time limit. The goal is to eat better, to live better and to lose weight to be healthier and happier. :)

Answer 11

No. Do not set a time. Follow your program. Each person is different.  

Answer 12

Slow and steady wins the race!  

Answer 13

I read your your comment about three times! I think I know your question by now! You will do good! You are smart, you know your goals and you can do this! Think positive! You got this! You hang in there one day at a time! You can do it!  

Comments

@gernhard76641 lol sorry if I was rambling  

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@mending absolutely no! I struggle everyday of my life! We are here to support one another!  

Answer 14

I did not have a time frame. I went to workshops, I tracked, I listened & learned and worked on a new healthier way of living life. Some weeks I lost a pound. Sometimes I lost . 1. Yes . 1/10th of a pound. Any loss was something to be proud of. I eventually hit goal and maintained for a little over 3 1/2 years. It’s your journey.  

Answer 15

Personally for me it’s a lifestyle change not a diet. So no time table. Everyone loses weight differently so just make small goals for yourself.  

Answer 16

For me, it takes as long as it takes and I can’t allow myself to get upset if it’s taking “too long” or I’ll get discouraged and quit!  

Answer 17

A healthy average pace is realistically 1 -2 pounds per week if you want it to be sustainable. Slower the closer you get to goal.  

Answer 18

I love that you are about creating a healthy lifestyle. Me, too. I sometimes panic when I don’t see what I want on the school. This week, I made a huge change in my fitness plan and have been off all week in nutrition. That is ok. I’ll keep working to get them in sync. Go for healthy lifestyle!  

Comments

@imposing that’s me too and not beating myself up over it. I know I’ll get there sooner or later.  

Answer 19

WW is a lifestyle not a diet. Why put extra demands on yourself. Take your time and enjoy the journey.  

Answer 20

Take your time without a deadline. You'll get there when you get there. Sometines a specific deadline is discouraging if you can't make it. One day at a time - you got this!  

Answer 21

This isn’t a sprint . but a marathon !  

Answer 22

Absolutely not. Your attitude and approach are healthy and realistic. What works for them doesn't have to work for you. We are all different. You do You !  

Answer 23

Nope. If you set a timetable and don’t reach it, you may feel disappointed. Instead you set a weight goal and every loss, no matter how big or small, is a win. And everyone loses differently, so it’s not worth the pressure you would put on yourself.  

Answer 24

I have lost just a little over 60 lbs. but have never given myself a time table to reach my goal weight. I hope to accomplish it in the next 6 months, but there will be no regret if I don't. '

Answer 25

I don't do a timetable, but I do work toward small goals. For example, when I hit -20 lbs I reward myself with getting my nails professionally done.  

Answer 26

No. You're doing it right!  

Answer 27

Don’t let them pressure you. Keep doing the next right thing and you’ll arrive there one day.  

Answer 28

That’s a rude question in my opinion.  

Answer 29

I think you are doing very well and building a relationship that will stand the test of time. You will do just fine. Don't compare yourself to anyone else. We all have our own journey that will be different for each of us. Stay strong!  

Answer 30

I plan a pound a week but I know that probably won’t happen. I just want to be healthy again!  

Answer 31

No timetable. I’m back on WW (round 3) and need to lose 30 lbs. After four months, I’m down 16 lbs and am really happy. Yes, it’s been slow, but I’m thrilled I have stuck with it. I’ve decided if it takes a year, it takes a year. I’m beginning to feel the difference and am wearing clothes I haven’t been able to wear. It’s paying off. Slow and steady.  

Answer 32

Why? This is not a diet but a healthy lifestyle. We learn about portion control and mindful eating. When we reach a set goal we are not going to stop eating healthy. Most DIETS end.  

Answer 33

You’re right. Who cares about when. That’s just putting another obstacle in your path. You will get there when you get there.  

Answer 34

Second time on WW. I lost 50 pounds before on WW in about 8 months. I currently have lost 28 lbs. in 12 weeks. Your program. Don’t get so tied down to pounds lost by a certain date. You might get discouraged. Good luck and enjoy the journey to better health. ❤️

Answer 35

Not necessary, losing anything weight and being consistent should be all that matters. Setting a date puts unnecessary pressure on you.  

Answer 36

No timetable

Answer 37

Small reachable goals leads to major long term goals.  

Answer 38

No timetable.  

Answer 39

I'd put my money on you for long term success in your journey. They're probably looking for a quick fix and those rarely last.  

Answer 40

Your journey, your timetable, no one else’s business!  

Answer 41

Making small goals is best.  

Answer 42

I do 5 pound goals it makes easier instead of looking at the 55 pound goal but it’s a journey for everyone & it will b different for each of us don’t put pressure on the number

Answer 43

I’ll get there when I get there! A goal loss with a date is a diet. A goal loss alone is a lifestyle change.  

Answer 44

I’m trying to lose 5 lbs a month. I have 35-40 lbs to go. Do what works for you. You can do it!  

Answer 45

How you eat should be a life long healthy lifestyle that results in weight loss. A diet may result in quicker weight loss, but it isn’t necessarily healthy or permanent. Your doing it right!  

Answer 46

I just worked on having a loss each week. I tried to be realistic and move forward. I’ve been lifetime for 4 years. Good luck CB k

Answer 47

NO! I only started to succeed when I gave up timelines. I wasted years mapping out how long it would take. It didn’t work, got frustrated and quit. You aren’t on a diet - you are making a lifelong lifestyle change. It takes as long as it takes. They were completely out of line

Answer 48

No. If you stick with it, it will come off as it should. Don't set up unrealistic expectations for yourself. WW is meant for 1-2 lbs. a week. I lost 45 lbs and lost at less than that rate. But it came off and that beats gaining more weight in that same amount of time.  

Answer 49

Your making a live style change.  

Answer 50

Everyone is different. I’ve set goals and I haven’t reached one of them. I’m now just doing my best. Taking day by day. Tracking. Drinking water. It’s all good.  

Answer 51

I like your approach with no timeline. You are making these changes forever. Not just until. Don't second guess yourself. Be happy.  

Answer 52

No, I wouldn’t set a timeline to reach goal. I’m not near mine yet, but I do know that I would be setting myself up for disaster

Answer 53

In this time with all that we have to contend with do we even know how long anything will or won't. I am so proud of all the responses here. Excellence is what you gave and have.  

Answer 54

So many people want a quick fix. There are more important things than what goes on at the scale. Make a life-style change and get healthy. It will come.  

Answer 55

I think it was inappropriate for them to even ask that question! You are doing great and will be more successful in the end. Setting a timeline will set you up for failure if you don’t reach it. We all do things at a different rate and have different roadblocks to detour around. It is your journey and not anyone else’s. Good luck to you!  

Answer 56

That is the difference btwn a diet & learning to live a healthy life style. Does your endeavors all end If you don't meet the planned time lune? Why did they think it was so important?  

Answer 57

No timeline here. I just set small goals of 5 pound increments. I have 35 pounds to lose. I think setting a timeline causes frustration and stress and that will cause you to slip up/give up.  

Answer 58

I haven't even given myself a goal weight. I'll know when I get there. Until then. keep on losing like I am doing.  

Answer 59

Setting a time limit adds pressure to me that induces frustration that will limit my success. Progress not perfection is working for me. I am gaining benefits not related only to the scales or the speed.  

Answer 60

Run your own race.  

Answer 61

Mini goals, towards a lifetime of health

Answer 62

No, you do you. Time tables can help some people. But some people get upset when they dont reach their goals and give up. Its so much easier to set small achieveable goals, instead of big ones which may or may not be realistic. Keep going!  

Answer 63

I have no answer to that! I’m like you! I haven’t make a time goal which in my case I think is bad. I should make a time table indicating small goals in short times. In the past I lost 10lb per month! It was to quick since I was also loosing my hair. It wasn’t with ww thought.  

Answer 64

Down is down Weight loss is weight loss. It's an exciting lifestyle change that bears results. Your body will cooperate so enjoy the ride!  

Answer 65

I, like you, do not have a timetable. I figure this is part of my life's journey and just like life there will be good days and bad days. It makes no sense for me to have the added pressure of a date by which I have to achieve my goal when I realize that life gets in the way. With that being said, I don't want the journey to take years. As long as I continue to lose (even if it's only a small loss) or stay the same one week, I know that I am committed to an overall healthier relationship with food that will become a lifestyle. Each person has to find what works for them and maybe your friends need to have that goal but what happens then? Will they have developed the healthy habits that will allow them to keep the weight off far into the future or will they slowly slide back into bad food habits?  

Answer 66

I agree , those people that have a goal that they have to lose weight by haven’t changed their mindset I’ve taken 21 months to lose 66lbs in strict o exercise but I lose slowly For decades I had goals I had to lose weight by pressured myself got upset as I didn’t meet the goals and fell off plan Now I’m down a total 92lbs with 16 to go I think it will take ad long as it will Yes I’d love to be at goal in 8 weeks or less I won’t be and accepted that . I am not yoyoing anymore and after 30 years as I had goals of goal weight I’m Much happier as I’ve kept it off.  

Answer 67

Absolutely not! You are doing the right thing and don't let anyone try and make you question that. It is more important to create that healthier relationship with food then when you will hit a certain number on a scale. Kudo's to you!  

Answer 68

You do what works for you. I don't have a timetable, this isn't a race it is a journey and a lifestyle change.  

Answer 69

No! You have no control over how your rapidly or slowly your body loses weight. What happens if you don’t make it in that timetable? Are all bets off? Eat like every meal is your last? This isn’t a race. It’s a journey. You’re on the right path. Stay connected.  

Answer 70

I think "For the rest of my life! " would be an acceptable that would also reinforce the fact that weight loss isn't a race.  

Answer 71

You are on a lifestyle change and your colleagues are on a diet. Yours is sustainable and will stay with you from now on. You will lose and keep it off. It never ends. Check back with your colleagues in 6 months and see which diet they are on then.  

Answer 72

A simple no! Too much pressure to add that to everything else in our lives. Those colleagues are not being supportive.  

Answer 73

Absolutely not everyone losses at a different rate! It’s none of their business. Stay the course it’s your bony you do what’s right for you! Good luck

Answer 74

I put no timetable because if I reach it in 5 months instead of 2, did I fail? You are good and stay steady.  

Answer 75

I have been doing this again since 2012. I have lost 50 pounds. but little by little. It does not matter to me how long this takes.  

Answer 76

Your journey is just that. your journey! No need to add the pressure of time tables. In my case, I wanted to lose 60 lbs. for my son’s wedding. I reached my goal, but after the wedding I slowly gained a lot of the weight back. I didn’t change my relationship with food, I was just focused on losing the weight. Fast forward 16 years. I rejoined WW in November. I’ve lost 32 lbs. and I’m 6 lbs. away from my goal. The difference this time is I didn’t set a time limit, I made it a lifestyle change. My weight loss has been slow, but it’s been steady. For the first time, I feel confident about reaching my goal and staying there. it’s because I’m no longer on a diet, I changed my lifestyle. . I think it’s far more important for you to work on your relationship with food. I wish you the best! You’ll get there! ❤️

Answer 77

No you don’t need to give yourself a timetable. Take it one step, one hour, one day at a time and enjoy your journey. I have the same mind set as you about creating a healthier relationship with you.  

Answer 78

Everyone’s bodies are different, life happens, stay the course and enjoy your journey. Don’t get hung up on a time line.  

Answer 79

I think you are being smart. Even the best plans can get temporarily sidelined. As long as you are improving your eating habits you will get there. Who cares how long it takes?  

Answer 80

You get there when you get there. one bite at a time. Same way you got up there‍♀️

Answer 81

One day at a time We all lose differently. WW is a way of life. not a diet. Creating a healthy relationship is very much on the right track. Best of luck to you

Answer 82

Don't listen to those colleagues. It seems that whatever weight loss program a person is on, the next person has a 'better' one. Well, whatever works for you and however long it takes is fine. I am taking a long time to lose 30 lbs. but it is a lifestyle change, an approach to food and eating healthily as well as planning, buying and cooking for it to work well. Like people have said, one hour at a time, one day at a time and you will get there. Maybe your colleagues as well, it's not a race.  

Answer 83

I lost 40 in 4 months. That was jan to feb of 2019. Good luck I hope you do well. I’m struggling right now had a hysterectomy in December and lost my job temporarily due to covid 19.  

Answer 84

No! You can’t control everything in your life. Plus how many times have you done the exact same thing for 2 or 3 weeks and didn’t get the same results on weigh in day. Don’t stress over it! Enjoy your journey!  

Answer 85

If you feel healthier and are losing then you are living not dieting. You will reach your goal in time

Answer 86

No! Weight loss is a journey and there is no finish line. You are in this for life. There will always be ups and downs. All you can do successfully is stay the course. Your friends are the ones with an unhealthy attitude towards food.  

Answer 87

WW is not a diet, it's a lifestyle so if asked how long I plan to take to get to my goal, it's the rest of my life, because while weight loss is important, staying alive and healthy is also one of my main goals. Plus it's not a competition, everyone goes at their own pace. Take your time and enjoy the journey.  

Answer 88

I, personally, preferred to have small (realistic) goals on a timeline because it helps me not get overwhelmed by the larger amount I wanted to lose . But I also learned a better lifestyle of eating habits. Making better food choices without giving it much thought has been the greatest gift I received from this program. (Lost 40 lbs and keeping it off) But! The best advice I can give you is to do what works for you! Everyone has their own journey and what works best for their life. It doesn’t hurt to try different tips you are given, but don’t stress if they don’t work for your lifestyle. Everyone is different. Except, drink lots of water. that’s important for everyone.  Good luck and don’t give up!  

Answer 89

No! Your approach to creating a healthier lifestyle will be much more sustainable. Stay YOUR course. My bet is the lbs you shed will stay gone. Fast fads don't create a new lifestyle. You don't need to meet anyone else's expectations. Go quietly about your business. and I'll bet you are a long term success.  

Answer 90

There is a start date but no stop date to the mentality of getting and being healthy.  

Answer 91

Goals are a good thing and I think the number of pounds you’d like to lose is enough of a goal. When I put a timeframe on it, I’m more likely to make unhealthy, self-depriving decisions. I feel as those decisions to strictly reduce calories or carbs just to lose weight in a certain amount of time is another form of disordered eating. Weight Watchers is a sustainable program, so keep doing what you’re doing. It’s your journey, not theirs.  

Answer 92

Be healthy and happy and it will happen . the 3Hs ?  

Answer 93

I believe your approach to creating a healthy relationship with food is so important or your efforts will not be long lasting. I think setting a timetable is not the best plan. You can set some small goals for yourself if you want! I found that helpful and did encourage me. I lost over 100 pounds almost ten years ago and I have maintained that loss. I tell you that not to boast but to let you know that I understand what you are doing! Good luck on your journey!  

Answer 94

Slow is better and it is a new way to look at food. You just have to want to make the change and then stay there. A date means if you don’t make it you give up. Just stay on your point count and it will work. And you then will have made the changes to keep it off. Good luck.  

Answer 95

I guess the to the heart of things, If i have to have a deadline then it’s just a on a diet. Setting small realistic goals is one thing but having to have a deadline leads me to believe it’s something that I’m not going adhere to make a lifestyle change need To make goal weight and stay there.  

Answer 96

It’s all about a lifestyle. Not a quick fix.  

Answer 97

Realistically 2lbs a week . Too quick and it comes back. I'm struggling with the same thing. Hard to stay with it.  

Answer 98

Its alifestyle so no time line needed. work and live the program. slow and steady. deadlines lead to frustration and not the best choices. u have the right idea already :)

Answer 99

I’m sorry, but that’s kind of a bold question for them to ask. weight loss isn’t a start and stop . it’s a process with highs and lows like you said. you stay exactly where you are in your thinking. even when you get to a weight that you are comfortable with, it needs to be maintained. so again it’s not a “clap on clap off” thing. best of luck to you on your journey. your head is in the game for sure.  

Answer 100

NO! It is a journey, your journey! Marathon not a race! It’s working on developing all the good habits along the way. pretty soon it just clicks. Set baby goals. 8 ponds per month, etc., Whenever you get to your goal, you get to your goal, just keep swimming.  

Answer 101

WW weight reduction program allows us to to learn new habits and breaking old habits. We failed to see that we are working with a body that’s has responsibilities to support fuel to vital organs and tissues, hunger signals are our responsibility to fuel what our body needs if not the body will slow metabolism and rob protein from muscles first, last is fat from storage. Our minds and emotions tells us to eat other than fuel our body this mindset is difficult to break and will keeps us from reaching our goal. This process will take time, working with the body to establish new healthy habits and stay on our journey is hard, but the outcome will be worth it. You will feel better, and be proud of yourself, no matter how long it’s take. How long did it take to gain all the excess weight?  

Answer 102

I would say NO, you are on your own journey and it will take as long as it takes, focus on the healthy habits you are forming. Good luck.  

Answer 103

There is no timetable

Answer 104

No because we never know what hurdles we will encounter. Just stay the course and you will get there in your time. We are all different.  

Answer 105

I say it depends on your relationship with food. For me although I would love to loose it quickly, I know I have to establish really good coping skills, I gain back weight quickly if I eat certain foods. So it’s a journey not a race for me. It may take years but I know I will get to a healthier me eventually  

Answer 106

No. It’s a new lifestyle

Answer 107

You have the best answer and attitude. This will help get you to your goal and beyond  

Answer 108

I believe we all have to do this our own. what works for us

Answer 109

Don’t put dates and limits it’s a journey

Answer 110

No it is a journey. Everyone has their own path. This is a lifestyle, you want to make it sustainable

Answer 111

I say NO we aren’t on a diet we are changing how we eat and our personal relationships with food which has the benefit of losing weight. This is not a race.  

Answer 112

No. Along your journey you will learn many things, maybe some bumps too. Don't let someone else derail your journey!  

Answer 113

I agree with everyone else. One day at a time.  

Answer 114

I strongly feel you shouldn’t put a time frame to it as you set yourself up for disappointment if you don’t reach it “on-time”. You keep doing you!  

Answer 115

No you do not need a time table. It’s a new lifestyle not a race.  

Answer 116

I timeline works for some ppl. I never gave myself one and I don’t regret it. I LOVE that you want to create a healthier relationship with food and I don’t really think you can put a deadline on that.  

Answer 117

I think if you give yourself a timeline and don't meet that goal it's much harder on you. and the older you are the longer it takes. at least that has proved true with me

Answer 118

No timetable, but generally 4 to 5 lbs lost in a month is good on WW.