Everywhere you look there’s a new option for losing weight. From diet pills to health clinics to weight loss programs, how do you know what’s right for you? There’s no denying our society is facing a health crisis. About half of Americans today say they’re actively trying to lose weight. As weights continue to rise, so do the rates of illnesses, diseases, and chronic conditions.
Losing weight is a healthy move. However, you want to make sure you’re doing so safely and not falling for the latest so-called health “fad” that will turn into a nightmare in a few months. In addition, you want a solution that lasts not just for a few weeks but for a lifetime. Here’s how to choose a weight loss program that actually works for you.
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Know Your Goals
First, you need to take a good look at your weight loss goals. What’s your motivation behind losing weight? Do you want to be healthier? Do you want to fit your old clothes? Knowing this will help lead your search.
According to WebMD, a healthy diet program will have you losing 1-2 pounds a week. This indicates the program is focused on steady, long-term weight loss rather than rapid weight loss which can be dangerous. Take a closer look at what type of weight you’re trying to lose.
Do you only want to lose a few pounds? Do you want to build muscle? Or are you going for a big lifestyle change where you’ll need to lose over 50 pounds? Once you know you’re goals, you’ll know what to look for when considering a program. You want to look over these programs with a careful, critical eye.
Avoid Fad Diets
Every once in a while a fad diet hits society like a brick. You’ll see it everywhere. Celebrities will be trying it, influencers will be trying it, and soon enough you’ll also feel pressured to try it. Frankly, fad diets don’t work. They often aren’t backed by science, or if they are the science is very new.
You want to choose a program that’s already been well researched. You need something tested and approved by doctors. Avoid any fad diet programs that often seem much too good to be true.
Choose Something You Can Actually Do
It’s tempting to choose the most intense, exciting weight loss program out there. These programs will use every gimmick in the book to make you choose them. However, at the end of the day, if you’re unable to live with these changes, you won’t successfully complete the program.
Look for plans you can live with. How flexible is the plan? Do you need to work out? Will this only include diet changes? How much of the diet includes foods you already like? How does it balance adequate nutrients? If you discover the plan involves eating only foods you don’t like, how will you keep with the plan?
In addition, choose a plan you can actually afford. Some weight loss programs are expensive. If you’ll need to consistently purchase pre-packaged food, for example, that’s a big expense to add onto your weekly budget. Make sure your plan is sustainable not just in the present but in the future. Need some help making that first purchase? Check out these weight watchers discounts at the Mighty Diets.
Make a Lifestyle Change
Finally, the last thing you need to do when choosing a weight loss program is to make a lifestyle change. If you’re not willing to make a positive change for your health, you’ll likely see your weight fluctuate after your program ends. This is why so many people get caught in the endless cycle of dieting and relapsing.
Whatever program you choose, make sure you can learn from it to make a change for the better. While you might not need to be in an ongoing state of weight loss, you do need to find a way to sustain your health that works for you.
Are you ready to lose the weight? You don’t have to live an unhealthy life. A weight loss program might be just what you need. However, do your research to ensure you know just what you’re getting into before you join a new program.
