Weight loss and choosing a weight loss program is not an easy or simple task and unless you have the knowledge to understand what to do. Too often individuals attempt to lose weight incorrectly and get stuck in a cycle of drastically losing weight, only to gain it all back, and even adding a few more pounds to the weight gain. Not only is this extremely frustrating and discouraging, but it is incredibly unhealthy for you.
There are many opinions on how someone should go about losing weight. But one thing stands true in all of these methods: it is a complete lifestyle change. If you are working out and eating right to lose weight, only to go right back to your old lifestyle, you will gain your weight right back. So a solid weight loss program will first start with establishing this new lifestyle and setting you on the right path.
Where To Start?
You can always begin with an internet search. However, this method will lead to exhaustive search results. Dieting and weight loss have turned into a big industry that everyone wants to be involved in. From commercial programs like Weight Watchers to customized programs written by doctors and nutritionists. It is crucial when choosing a weight loss program, to educate yourself. Ask your doctor, speak with a nutritional specialist, read reviews, and generally gather any and all information you can before selecting a weight loss program. This decision can change how you live your life forever, so it’s important to be confident that this decision is the best one for you.
Avoid Fad Diets
Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, and Pinterest all have trendy diets and workouts that claim to be the best of the best. However many of these, if not all of them, tend to lean towards extremes that can be harmful to your body. Eating just one thing, like grapefruit or celery, or water challenges like drinking over a gallon of water a day can cause more harm than good. You may drop those extra pounds quickly, however, this is a result of extreme caloric deficit, effectively starving yourself. The moment you get off that diet, you will gain the weight back rapidly, causing even more stress on the body.
Can You Make It a Lifestyle?
One important question to ask when researching a weight loss program is can this program become part of your lifestyle? Plans that are too complex or difficult can cause unnecessary stress, and not give you the desired results if they can’t be executed properly. In addition, look for diets that rely on food and not food pills or supplements. If you know and understand what common foods you can and can’t eat, you can continue this habit for the rest of your life as opposed to pills or supplements.
Ask the Experts
Be cautious of plans written by individuals who are not qualified or educated enough to actually write a plan. Many will be fitness models or bodybuilders, but they are not qualified like a nutrition coach or fitness trainer. Instead, look for a nutrition coach who has lots of experience and certifications in nutrition before trusting them with your body.
Stick with It!
Last, but not least, not every plan will work for everybody. It is important to remember that each person is a unique individual with their own needs and setbacks. It may take a few tries to find the right weight loss program for you. Once you find the right one for you, it is important to stick with the plan and completely throw yourself into it. This lifestyle change will ensure that you see results and keep the weight off after losing it. There are so many ways to go about weight loss, but true weight loss is keeping the weight off.
Here at Options Medical Weight Loss in Naperville Illinois, we are dedicated to giving you the best weight loss program out there. Customized to fit your needs and goals, and monitored by many medical professionals, you will see results and have support along the way to help you stick to it. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.