These days, there’s a lot of pressure to be fit and healthy, which is why you’ll see so many diet programs and advertisements popping up all over the internet! Over 40% of adults say they are trying to lose weight so if you feel the same way, you’re not alone!
However, it’s certainly not easy and to achieve long-lasting, sustained weight loss, you not only need to be committed but also have a plan that works for your lifestyle. Read on for information on choosing the right plan for your needs, plus some quick weight loss tips to get you started!
Why Is A Diet Plan Important?
The biggest challenge we face when we want to opt for a healthier lifestyle is to stop consuming so much processed food that’s high in fat and sugar. Due to the significant consumption of junk food, many developed nations have a high obesity rate, and that leads to many health problems like heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, and even dental issues.
Unfortunately, many people simply don’t know where to start when it comes to eating more healthily, which is why it’s important to follow a specific diet plan. To develop a healthy diet, first you need to consult a nutritionist to identify which foods may be causing you to gain weight; having done so, they can give you a personalized plan that fits your budget, tastes and lifestyle.
Does One Size Fit All?
Because everyone is different, what works for one person, won’t work so well for another. Therefore, you must identify the specific foods that you tend to overeat and adjust your diet accordingly.
This is also the reason why it’s best not to rely on commercial diet programs that don’t take the individual’s needs into consideration – while you may lose some weight initially, it won’t be sustainable and you may end up simply gaining more in the long run.
Also, programs that focus on the number on the scale don’t take other factors into account, such as frame size, body fat percentage etc., and can ultimately cause low self-esteem.
What Are Your Bad Habits?
As mentioned above, you need to think about where your diet is letting you down in order to start tackling your weight problem. Do you go for long periods without eating and then overcompensate by eating high fat, fast food? Do you tend to snack in the evening while watching TV? Or maybe you automatically grab a donut every time you go to the coffee shop for your morning break. Being more mindful of your habits is the first step to fighting them!
Kickstart Your Diet!
Let’s look at a few quick weight loss tips that can get you started on your successful weight loss journey!
1. Start your day with a glass of warm water and lemon juice to give your metabolism an early morning boost.
2. Choose foods that will keep you feeling full for a more extended period such as those high in protein and fiber.
3. Identify any vitamin or mineral deficiencies you may have with the help of a nutritionist as these can trigger cravings of unhealthy foods.
4. Start adding extra physical activity to your day – park a little further away from work, always take the stairs not the elevator, go for a walk around the block after dinner instead of sitting on the couch. All these little changes will add up to make a big difference over time.
5. Look for ways to make your favorite foods healthier. If you love French fries, for example, instead of grabbing them from a fast food restaurant, make your own using nutrient-rich sweet potatoes baked in the oven with a little olive oil. By doing so, you’ll save cash and calories!
Structured vs. Flexible Diet Plans – Which Is Better?
Some people like the predictability of a fixed diet plan while others prefer more variety and choice. There is no right or wrong when it comes to this – it’s purely based on your own individual taste.
It should be noted though, that a plan which provides more scope for change is likely one that is easier to commit to – keep in mind that many people cite boredom as a main reason for quitting a diet.
Choose Your Diet Plan
Now that you have more of an idea about what kind of plan would work best for you in terms of flexibility, lifestyle and the foods you need to eliminate, it’s time to get more specific.
While most people will opt for a lower fat diet, don’t dismiss fats altogether – a diet such as the Mediterranean diet includes many ‘good’ fats which have numerous benefits for all aspects of your health.
However, if you’ve decided to embark on an intense workout program as part of your weight management program, you may need to follow a high protein diet to adequately fuel your body. Or maybe you’ve decided that it’s time to give up eating meat and switch to a plant-based, vegan diet.
If this is the case, make sure you do your research into meat alternatives, so you don’t end up becoming deficient in any essential nutrients. Simply cutting out meat may lead to anemia and other health issues, so stock up on nuts, beans, lentils and soy proteins.
Do Weight Loss Pills Help?
Opinion is mixed on this point but generally, weight loss pills can help an individual in several ways. Often, these types of supplements contain active ingredients that increase the metabolism, help burn fat more effectively and reduce overeating by curbing the appetite.
Conclusion
Losing weight in a healthy, sustainable manner will not happen overnight. It will take time, and you will have to be patient and committed. Don’t forget though, even small changes can make a difference – every time you make a healthy choice, you’re one step closer to your goal. So, identify your bad habits, choose a diet plan that fits your lifestyle, find a good quality brand of weight loss pills if you feel you need some extra help, and prepare to finally achieve the healthy, toned body you deserve!
