Obesity remains a critical issue in America, with over 40% of adults facing this condition in 2018. After the recent coronavirus lockdowns, many people experienced a fitness kick. However, many others found themselves gaining weight instead.
To combat this issue, many people resolve to seek out weight loss programs. The only problem is that there seems to be a never-ending supply of such programs. This variety makes choosing weight-loss diets even more complicated.
Unfortunately, we can’t tell you what diet plan is your perfect weight loss solution. Each person’s body responds differently to various regimens. Instead, we can help you decide which program might be best for you.
In this article, we’ll present you with the top seven factors to consider before you choose a diet. We hope this list helps you achieve your goals!
1. Define Clear Weight Loss Goals
When surveying the many types of diets out there, don’t get caught up in all the market hype. Weight loss diets rarely work miracles by themselves; don’t expect to lose 90 lbs with a month of dieting.
Instead, set clear, realistic goals for yourself. Once you’ve set your goals, try to establish an ideal timeframe in which to accomplish them.
People’s health goals often vary. Many men want to pack on muscle, while many women focus more on things like skin appearance and curves. Different supplements help achieve these goals. For example, check out the ginseng benefits for skin.
2. When Choosing Weight Loss Diets, Consult Your Doctor
As you set your goals and timeframes, you should first consult with your doctor about what options might work best for you. Your physician can review your medical history to identify hindrances to weight loss.
Moreover, a doctor can recognize if any medications you take could inhibit your goals. Once you’ve discussed these factors, your doctor can help you work around these issues and provide essential guidance on what programs to choose.
When you talk to your physician, be sure to inform them of previous attempts and efforts to lose weight. Don’t keep any secrets, either; if there are popular dieting fads that intrigue you, disclose them to the professional. This knowledge can help them recommend a program for you.
Alternatively, your doctor could refer you to a professional dietitian who can guide you through weight loss.
3. Consider Your Personal Needs and Experience
No diet plan works for everybody; each one requires nuance and adaptability to each participant’s needs. To find the program that best meets your needs, take a few minutes to consider your personal preferences and needs.
More specifically, consider some of the following factors. What diets have you tried in the past? What were some things you liked and disliked about them?
Could you follow it well, and did it produce desirable results? Did it make you feel better physically, or did you feel sickly?
Moreover, consider your preferences in accountability. Do you prefer sticking to a regimen on your own? Or, do you take comfort in a group’s support?
In the COVID era, you may find it harder to attend group meetings than it once was. However, many weight loss groups continue to meet virtually, so the option remains.
Some weight loss programs require you to buy materials, such as a pre-prepared daily meal plan or a regimen of supplements. Some even require you to become a group member through a paid membership. When you consider these costs, does the plan seem worthwhile to you?
4. Evaluate Your Lifestyle
When considering types of diets, it’s also critical to evaluate your lifestyle. Many diets rely on cutting as many calories as possible, which isn’t inherently unhealthy.
However, for people who live active lifestyles, such a diet could become harmful. If you enjoy lifting weights, running, hiking, or work in a job that requires manual labor, cutting extreme amounts of calories could prove harmful.
Cutting too many calories while living an active lifestyle could result in lightheadedness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, or other symptoms.
On the other hand, if you don’t live an active lifestyle, adding some exercise routines to your diet is often beneficial. If you introduce weightlifting or other exercises into your routine, make sure you do so in healthy ways. It may be best to avoid this if you’re doing an extreme diet.
5. Stay Safe
Several fad diets come along each year that promise tremendous results with little work. If they’re effective, then excellent! However, in many cases, the results they promise are not healthy weight loss.
When you set out to lose weight, it’s best to do so gradually. Cutting fifteen pounds in just a few weeks is perfectly normal and healthy. Cutting fifty pounds in just a few weeks is far from healthy.
So, as you begin your diet, make sure the steps it calls for aren’t too drastic. Remember to involve your doctor in your diet. They can provide you the expertise to know if your diet is producing productive results.
6. Check Out Other Dieters’ Reviews
If a diet sounds like it could be perfect for you, or even if it sounds too good to be true, get a second opinion. The Internet has thousands of people on it who have likely tried your diet plan and left reviews online.
Checking out the experiences of other dieters lends credibility to your diet plan. If it’s worked wonders for others, then it could do so for you, too! However, if people frequently describe its negative effects, it’s probably best to look for a new plan.
7. Sustain Healthy Habits
Lastly, when you search for a diet plan, look for a diet you can stay consistent with. If your diet includes a daily meal plan, that’s a great first step. However, you have to follow that meal plan actively.
As such, look for meal plans with lots of variety, so you don’t get tired of the meals in week two.
Do What Works Best For You
When choosing weight-loss diets, remember that what matters most is how it benefits you and your health. Whatever diet plan you choose, keep your doctor informed on your progress. Your doctor can help guide you towards healthier and longer-lasting results.
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