If you’re currently on the weight loss train, you’ve probably made a few stops along the way — different diets, detox programs, and exercise plans that promise you the world. And while results are possible, there are a few things to consider before choosing your next diet. Want to know how to pick the right path? Keep reading!
Examine Your Goals
Let’s start with the basics. What are your goals? Are you looking to simply lose body fat or is toning and building muscle important to you? Are you bulking up for a weight lifting competition or slimming down for the summer? Your goals will directly dictate the type of diet you choose. Other factors to consider include your current weight, height, metabolism, and gender. It’s much easier for large men to “bulk up” and build muscle. Some can eat a diet including over 3,000 calories packed with proteins and tons of healthy fat. This same diet on a small-framed female might result in undesirable weight gain. Decide what type of results you’re looking for and then choose a diet that will help you achieve them.
Be True to Yourself
No one knows you better than yourself. You know what works for you and what doesn’t. How strong is your willpower? If you struggle sticking with a diet that includes strict calorie restrictions, no carbs, or no dairy products, it’s best you choose an alternative option. Why? Because one of the best ways to sabotage your success (and set yourself up for failure) is choosing a diet that you know you won’t be able to stick to. There’s no sense in making yourself feel bad. Instead, choose a diet that compliments your personality and abilities. Anything else will feel like torture, and sticking to it will be nearly impossible.
Don’t Go to Extremes
This is another mistake many people make when choosing a diet. Instead of finding a healthy, scientifically-proven diet that provides your body with plenty of healthy foods and nutrients while also helping you burn fat, people opt for overly-restrictive and dangerous fad diets. Anything that involves restricting calories at unhealthy levels can compromise your health. Calorie restriction leads to dehydration, dizziness, fatigue, disorientation, and over time, malnutrition. This will make it nearly impossible to exercise, or even function, for long periods of time. Many detoxes take the extreme approach to dieting, offering users only liquids for days on end. While not eating may result in rapid weight loss at first, you’re doing much more damage than you realize. Looking for a no-brainer diet that delivers nutritious food right to your door? Check out this pretty sweet review of the popular Nutrisystem diet system.
There’s an App for That
It’s no secret that we live in a digital age where everyone lives and breathes through media and electronics. With more people attached to their mobile devices for work, socialization, and all forms of communication, why not invest in a weight loss app? This puts your new diet at your fingertips. It makes food shopping simple and helps you stay accountable and on track, even on the go! Some of the most popular diets and food plans offer online apps – from Weight Watchers to My Fitness Pal and even Fitbit. The best part is, many offer free trials and deals so that you can see which one works best for you.
Losing weight doesn’t need to be complicated, it just needs to be right for your specific needs. Find an individualized diet plan that will help you achieve your goals. This will look different for everyone so don’t compare yourself to others. Look toward the future and don’t turn back!
Article Submitted By Community Writer
