How to Set Achievable Weight Loss Goals (For Moms)

Losing weight after having a baby can feel overwhelming. As a mom, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle of everyday life, but the good news is—small, realistic goals can make a huge difference. No gimmicks, no fads… just steady progress.

Here’s how I set weight loss goals that worked for me, and how you can do it too—no matter where you’re starting from.

How I Went from Overwhelmed to Confident in My Own Skin

Before I became a mom, weight loss wasn’t something I had to think much about. I was active, fit, and didn’t worry about losing big amounts of weight. But everything changed after my first baby.

Suddenly, I found myself with 50 pounds to lose. It felt like an impossible task.

I remember looking at the scale and feeling discouraged when I’d only lost 10 pounds after giving birth—basically the weight of my baby! I was stuck wearing maternity clothes, even though I wasn’t pregnant anymore, and I had a beach wedding to attend in less than a year. The thought of putting on a bathing suit terrified me.

But, I did it. I wore my pre-pregnancy dress and a bikini at my best friend’s wedding. Here’s how I stayed motivated and kept my focus on achieving my goals.

4 Key Steps to Setting Weight Loss Goals You Can Actually Achieve

The truth is, weight loss is more about mindset than it is about any one diet or workout routine. While there are plenty of eating plans and workouts to choose from, the key is sticking with a plan that works for YOU.

Here are the four strategies that helped me lose weight and keep it off:

1. Keep It Real

Setting a realistic goal is everything. Instead of focusing on something extreme like “I want to fit into my high school jeans,” aim for something that’s more achievable, like “I want to feel comfortable in my clothes again.”

Having a goal that’s practical and attainable will help you stay motivated and avoid feeling discouraged.

Pro Tip: Consider setting “micro goals” to break down your big goal into smaller, more manageable steps. It’s all about making consistent progress!

2. Don’t Get Stuck on the Scale

The scale is a tool, but it doesn’t define your success. Don’t fixate on what it says on any given day. Instead, think of it as one of many ways to track your overall progress.

I don’t weigh myself every day. Instead, I pay attention to how my clothes fit and how I feel in my own skin.

Remember, weight loss is a journey, not a race.

3. Make It Easy on Yourself

Planning ahead is key! When you have everything you need on hand, sticking to your goals becomes a lot easier. I love the convenience of meal prep and having healthy options stocked in my fridge.

I also love using meal replacement shakes (like Medifast) when I’m in a rush. They’re a simple, quick way to stay on track with my goals.

4. Fuel Your Body

I know it sounds counterintuitive, but you actually need to eat to lose weight. Not eating enough can slow down your metabolism and sabotage your progress.

Eating regular, balanced meals helps keep your metabolism fired up and working for you. Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast—fuel your body to set yourself up for success! (Click here for my favorite meal replacement shakes!)

It’s All About Consistency

While I’ve maintained most of my weight loss over time, I’ve learned that consistency is the key to long-term success. But that doesn’t mean you have to push yourself constantly or expect perfection. Life changes, and so do your needs—sometimes you’ll need to step up your efforts, and other times, you’ll need to dial things back. The trick is to listen to your body and stay consistent, no matter what stage you're in.

One thing that has really helped me stay consistent is the BetterMe app. I absolutely love it! The accountability features and structured programs have been a game-changer. Knowing I have a program to follow, with workouts and meal plans at my fingertips, makes sticking to my goals so much easier.

What I love most about the app is that it's not just about completing a workout or following a strict diet; it helps me stay accountable and motivated, even when life gets busy. I’ve found that having a clear plan and a supportive system in place helps me build a healthy routine I can actually stick to. And now, getting up in the mornings and starting my day with my BetterMe program has become something I genuinely look forward to. It’s no longer just a task to check off my list—it’s a positive, energizing part of my day that I’m excited to do.

So, don’t stress if you don’t have it all figured out right away. Consistency is the foundation, but that doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. Every small step counts, and it’s about progress, not perfection.

Ready to Start?

If you’re ready to set your own weight loss goals, remember you don’t have to do it all at once. Break it down, keep it real, and stay focused on your overall health. You’ve got this! And if you need an accountability partner along the way, DM me on Instagram—let's support each other on this journey!

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Katelynn McDonald

Hi, I’m Katelynn, a passionate and detail-oriented Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and the proud owner of Graceful Bookkeeping Solutions, LLC. I specialize in helping small businesses and entrepreneurs take control of their finances, so they can focus on what they do best—growing their business.

With years of hands-on experience in bookkeeping, I provide tailored solutions that bring clarity and organization to your financial records. From streamlining systems to preparing insightful reports, I help you make confident, data-driven decisions.

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✅ Full-charge bookkeeping, from reconciliations to payroll management

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I started Graceful Bookkeeping Solutions to provide more than just bookkeeping—I wanted to create a partnership that brings peace of mind to business owners. I love simplifying complex financials, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and helping clients feel empowered by their numbers.

Whether you’re behind on bookkeeping or need a reliable professional to keep your accounts in check, I’m here to help you bring grace and structure to your financial world. Let’s work together to achieve your business goals!

Why Work With Me?

🌟 Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor with deep expertise in small business bookkeeping

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Let’s connect and discuss how I can help make your bookkeeping stress-free!

https://gracefulbookkeepingsolutions.squarespace.com
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Using Micro Goals to Make Big Changes