Do you want to lose weight but are not sure where to begin? In today’s world there are new “diets” or “fasting programs” coming out every day, so it can be overwhelming. You can’t decide which one will be best for you or you start one but soon find yourself falling back into old habit.
As a Women’s Health Coach, I have learned that there is no “diet” that is perfect for everyone. Our bodies are different so therefore our nutritional needs are different as well. Choosing a healthy weight loss program is the first step in your new journey. Below are some helpful tips on how to choose one that can benefit you and your goals.
1: Speak with your doctor first to make sure that it is safe for you to work on losing weight. Especially if you have any past medical diagnosis or medication that you take on a regular basis.
2: Your program should offer support from an individual who is trained such as Certified Health Coach, Personal Trainers, etc
3: The individualized coaching should :
– help you learn how to develop and stick with healthy eating
– teach you physical activity routines that benefit your body/lifestyle.
– Education on sleep routines
– provide helpful tips on stress management.
– give ongoing feedback, monitoring and support throughout the program, either in-person sessions, telephone session, video conferencing session, email, etc.
– work with you slow and steady during the course of the program (programs should be 3 – 6 months)
– work on providing you with a plan to help you keep you on track after the program as completed.
4: Make sure the program offers plenty of whole foods and lots of different variety for you to choose from.
5: The program should focus on an overall lifestyle change, not just nutrition. Losing weight needs to be a new healthy way of living.
Some things to be aware of when choosing a program:
1: Avoid programs that claim to lose weight without changing your eating habits or exercising.
2: Avoid programs that claim to have you lose weight in a short amount of day (i.e. 30 lbs. in 30 days)
3: Before and After pictures that seem to good to be true, you should be able to see the journey from start to finish.
4: Avoid programs that make you purchase supplements/shakes/special foods.
5: Avoid programs that don’t offer support from coaches that have received training.
Most importantly choose someone is going to be a positive influence in your new lifestyle, someone who will support you in the areas you need, who you feel comfortable with and someone who is willing to work at your pace throughout this journey.
