When trying to lose weight, choosing the right weight loss program can be confusing and even frustrating for most people. Of course, we are all different and each weight loss program is unique. Choosing the right one for you is a personal choice that only comes from careful research of the many programs and diets available on the market.
Some people, fortunately, can lose weight on their own. But this is more the exception than the rule. Others are more successful when they experience the structure, accountability, and support of a diet or exercise program supervised by a fitness professional, such as a certified personal trainer.
There are so many weight loss programs out there today, it can be difficult and confusing to choose the right one. If you’re online like most people these days, the list of diets and programs is endless, and the pros and cons of each are buried in advertising and sales copy. So how do you choose?
First of all, it is crucial to find a realistic plan that you can follow for a long period of time. A common problem with weight loss is that it is often short-term or temporary. People lose weight but can’t keep it off and continue the game of fluctuating weight gain and loss, which can slow metabolism, decrease muscle and tone, and make it even more difficult to maintain or lose weight over a period of time of longer time.
Second, it must be a plan that incorporates diet AND exercise. Simply changing the way you eat is not enough. And a weight loss program that includes exercise requires a commitment and will take time out of your schedule to devote to your weight loss program. It’s hard to stick to a routine when you’re busy at work and taking care of the kids. It doesn’t give you much time. But finding the time to incorporate cardio and resistance training is important if you want to maintain healthy weight loss and preserve muscle tone and the aesthetic appearance of your body.
Third, it’s important to make sure you have a good support system and work with someone who is highly experienced in fitness and nutrition. Working with a personal trainer (and not just any trainer, but a certified personal trainer with credentials, experience, and references) can make all the difference in whether or not you lose weight.
When choosing your program or trainer, make sure the staff is made up of qualified health and fitness professionals, such as registered dietitians, physicians, and exercise physiologists or personal trainers, or at least have access to them in case you need them. need them.
Whatever program you decide on, it should be a slow and steady weight loss program. Don’t be fooled by programs that offer quick and easy weight loss, because even though we are looking for weight loss, the REAL goal is not weight loss, but FAT LOSS. And many programs will help you lose weight, but at the expense of losing valuable muscle instead of fat. So look for fat loss programs, not just weight loss programs.
Another factor to consider when choosing a program is to make sure expectations are clear, from the start. When inquiring about any commercial weight loss program, be sure to receive an itemized statement of fees and costs for additional items, such as dietary supplements or food. How often will you meet with a personal trainer? Will you do personal training 2 days a week? 3 days a week?
And how long will your personal training sessions last? 30- and 60-minute sessions are the norm in the personal training industry, but be sure to ask. Don’t assume that a “session” is the same everywhere. Many more affordable personal training programs consist of 30-minute sessions, which can be an adequate amount of time to get a quality workout if you have a well-qualified and experienced personal trainer.
And if that’s what you want, great. But if you really want a full hour personal training session with a trainer covering nutrition, diet and stretching, for example, make sure what they’re selling you is a full hour; not just a half hour session.
If you plan to lose more than 15 to 20 pounds, or have any health problems, such as diabetes, you should be evaluated by your doctor before starting a weight loss program. Your doctor may even suggest some specific weight loss programs that would be good for you.
Be over weight it is too often seen as a temporary problem that can be treated for a few months with a diet. But as most overweight people know, weight control should be considered a lifelong endeavor. To be safe and effective, any weight loss program must address the long-term approach of diet AND exercise, or else the program is largely a waste of money and effort.
To lose weight and maintain weight loss is really a mindset for most. It is a new way of thinking. Do you eat to live or live to eat? Think about it.
By choosing wisely and working with a qualified personal trainer or other health or medical professional to guide you through your weight loss journey, you can safely, effectively lose weight and keep it off for life.