6 months is a decent amount of time to give yourself to lose weight, although I wouldn't put a specific number on what you want your goal to be. Make your goal to simply lose weight, get toned and be healthier, that way you won't get discouraged and it is 100% possible to achieve.
The maximum amount of weight you should be loosing is 2lbs a week, with a strict diet and excercising.
Excercising and getting your body moving is the most beneficial. Try cardio like walking, jogging and runnnig on a treadmill.
Eliminating certain foods from your diet or at least restricting them is also important. You don't want to deny yourself anything completely though if it will lead to you craving it and caving in to that craving and perhaps over eating.
Eat more fruits and vegetables and whole grains, and less fried foods like fast food, potato chips, junk food snacks, and soda. Drink plenty of water or fluids like juice or pureed or pressed juices instead of pop.
Try eating 6 smaller meals throughout the day to keep your metabolism working if its due able for you. If not then eat your 3 meals and replace snacks inbetween with fruit, veggies, crackers & cheese, yogurt or nuts and dried fruits.
Allow yourself one cheat day a week (maybe friday or saturday when you are out socializing and it may be harder to stay on track) to keep you from straying during the week.
Don't weigh yourself everyday, as this is inaccurate because your weight will flactuate day to day for many reasons. Instead weigh yourself at the same time each week, to get a better idea of how well you are doing.
Don't get discouraged or give up. It will take you time to reach your goal and it may take some time to see the numbers on the scale reflecting your hard work.
A better indication of how well you are doing is by the way your clothing fits.
Once you reach a small goal of say 10lbs, treat yourself to something nice like a new piece of clothing or a beauty product. Use this as another insentive to keep on track.
Setting a goal of 6lbs a month is do able and not excessive.
Don't push yourself to the point you are unhappy. Life is meant to be enjoyed at all sizes.
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Good luck!
We would love to hear from you as you progress!