5 Things You Need To Know About Yourself Before Choosing A Diet Plan
Have you ever started a weight loss plan or a diet and after a few days just given up? It's happened to most of us. The thing is, for successful weight loss, prior preparation really does prevent poor performance. And the first step to successful weight loss is to work out what you are going to do to lose weight.
So how do you choose the best weight loss plan for you?
The answers to the following questions are critical.
1. How much weight do I want to lose?
If you have a lot to lose, it's going to take a while. You need a weight loss plan which motivates and supports you over a longer period of time. One which is tailored to a heavier starting point. One which can help you begin to make changes which will fit into your daily life easily until your new healthier habits become automatic – and enjoyable. One which also gives you the correct nutritional advice to avoid saggy skin.
If you have less to lose, you can pick something a little more radical. You might prefer something to give you a kick start and some fast weight loss. It's always motivating to see those first few pounds melting off the scales.
2. What is going to keep me motivated?
Without motivation everything becomes a struggle.
Some people are great at motivating themselves. Perhaps giving themselves rewards for achieving daily or weekly goals. Or they find motivation in simply by watching how their measurements change from week to week.
Others value the push they get from friends and family or from support groups. For some people a slimming club is the answer. For others teaming up with a friend a “weight loss buddy” is key to winning the weight loss game.
What works for you?
3. Do I want exercise to be part of my weight loss program?
Some people simply can't exercise. Injury or ill health stops them. The good news is that exercise is not essential to weight loss.
That said, exercise has hugely positive benefits to our bodies and the way we feel about ourselves. As well as improving our heart health, it also boosts the levels of feel-good hormones in the blood.
Weight training also improves our body shape and makes us look great, both with and without our clothes ๐
4. Do I need to lose weight quickly?
Generally most doctors recommend losing weight at the rate of 2-3lbs per week. But sometimes fast weight loss is what's needed.ย It's also been shown that fast weight loss is better than slow for keeping the weight off longer term.
Perhaps you have to fit into that little black dress (or tux). At this point we all know we should have started doing something weeks ago, but we need a solution now. Something quick.
There are also valid medical reasons for losing weight quickly. Most medical operations are safer on people who are not overweight.
5. Am I an emotional eater?
You may be someone who eats as a reward, or to make yourself feel better. If that's you, then you need to decide how much this is contributing to your current weight and if it's something you want to change.
Some weight loss plans help you deal with those issues, but you may need extra support in the form of professional help or an alternative additional approach, like hypnotherapy.
Find the best a weight loss plan for you
Armed with the answers to those questions, you can find the weight loss program which will meet your specific needs and give you the optimum chance of reaching your desired weight and shape.