If you’re like most people, you’re probably not really sure when you began gaining weight. One day you were a normal weight with a healthy body. The next day, you were overweight, tired, and oftentimes, sick.
If this description fits you, take heart. A diet change can help you lose the extra pounds and return you to a vibrant state of health. If you’re ready to start living in a new healthy body, here are the four steps you should take before starting a weight loss program.
1. Keep a Journal
An NBC News report suggests that people start their weight loss journey with journaling. More specifically, they should figure out what their daily baseline of calories, food intake, and exercise is. That information will go in their journals. The most successful diets aren’t diets at all. They are a lifestyle change. However, if you are not really conscious of your lifestyle, how can you change it? Start a journal specifically for your weight loss journey. You’ll use it throughout this process.
2. Consult With Your Doctor
Once you know your baseline, your next step is to consult with your doctor. Let your doctor know of your challenges. Bring your journal so that you can talk about what you’re facing. Also let your doctor give you suggestions for plans and a recommendation to a nutritionist if necessary.
3. Read Reviews and Do Research.
Next comes the research. Many people who are overweight have never been taught how to eat right. That’s really the primary purpose of your research: to understand nutrition. Once you understand the basics of nutrition, it will help you decide which diets will suit your body’s needs.
When you think you have found a number of suitable diet and supplement options, you should read reviews on them. Rather than trusting everything a fad diet or supplement says, read customer reviews; Xyngular says that the most powerful and inspiring stories come from customers, and that influential reviews will help others change their health. Many fad diets and supplements make promises they do not fulfill, so reading reviews from customers can be a good way to judge which are the safest and most effective.
Evaluate which diets and supplements will complement your dietary and medical needs according to your doctor’s recommendations. Write in your journal about your findings.
4. Decide on a Plan
Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to decide on a proper diet. If you’re still unsure what that is, consider this: according to WebMD, a healthy eating plan should include fresh vegetables and fruits, unprocessed foods, whole grains, lean meats, and nuts. These types of diets keep you full longer, which helps you lose weight and keep you healthy.
Final Thoughts
The best weight loss plans aren’t crash diets; in the long run, the healthiest diets include plenty of fresh produce, plus legumes, lean meats, and nuts. Changing your diet can be a big lifestyle change. If you want to implement this lifestyle change effectively, your best bet is to study nutrition, talk to your doctor, adjust your diet, and record your progress in a journal. This will help you approach your new diet from a healthy mindset.
