Setting my goals too high?

I'm 13, 5'3'' and I weight at least 135 lbs.  I've been over weight for almost as long as I can remember. My mom is very petite, so I don't think it's genetic, but I took steroids for a while for Asama and I think that made me 'blow up' . But, with the help and support of a close friend I plan on making a change over the summer and loose some weight.  Do you think aiming for 110 lbs by mid August is setting my goals too high? What are your goals, and what do you think a reasonable goal for me would be?

continue to eat how you are eating............. just join a school sport, and get more active.

Healthy weight loss is usually considered 2 pounds a week (or is it two weeks?). Personally I tend to lose weight faster because I have an extremely fast metabolism, so even when I eat a lot I lose if  I exercise.

You shouldn't set a deadline, it's a lifestyle change and you need to do it over time. Just worry about keeping the scale moving down, eventually you will get where you want to be.

2 pounds a week is only for people who weigh 200+ pounds to start.

135 pounds is not overweight for someone who is 5'3.  As such, dani should not be aiming to lose more than 0.5 to 1 pounds per week.  And, since she's only 13, she shouldn't restrict her calories too much because it may be that her body is "saving up" for a growth spurt. 

risza's advice was good.  Get more active; take up a sport or other active hobby.  Also, cut down on junk food and replace it with healthy alternatives.  So, instead of a bag of chips, have a slice of toast with peanut butter.  Same calories, but healthier and better for your body.  You may also find that cutting down on processed food means your body retains less water and can lose weight that way.

Original Post by susiecue:

2 pounds a week is only for people who weigh 200+ pounds to start.

135 pounds is not overweight for someone who is 5'3.  As such, dani should not be aiming to lose more than 0.5 to 1 pounds per week.  And, since she's only 13, she shouldn't restrict her calories too much because it may be that her body is "saving up" for a growth spurt. 

risza's advice was good.  Get more active; take up a sport or other active hobby.  Also, cut down on junk food and replace it with healthy alternatives.  So, instead of a bag of chips, have a slice of toast with peanut butter.  Same calories, but healthier and better for your body.  You may also find that cutting down on processed food means your body retains less water and can lose weight that way.

 Since I'm male and weigh 200 pounds it's no surprising I'd get that stat a bit mixed up.

But I agree with everything you said. Just make healthy choices and let it come off slowly.

I'd echo susiecue's and risza's advice that, because of your age, and because you're not overweight you should try to be more active rather than cut calories and also try to eat 'better food' rather than 'less food'.

This website has some excellent information aimed specifically at teens that want to get that balance right.... healthier food and more activity. http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/agesandstages/teens /  As well as support from your close friend, also engage your mum & dad in what you're trying to do since they're presumably responsible for buying the groceries and/or providing meals.  Work on healthy menus together, for example, and try out new recipes and new foods.

Good luck