 Match lifestyle with weight loss
Well, here we are, as inundated as ever with ads for the various food plans available to help you lose weight.
Maybe some of you have made the resolution they are marketing to, or maybe you just feel like you need a change of pace.
Keep in mind that most of the major food plans out there are perfectly healthy and will work if you stick to them.
The basic difference between these plans is the type of lifestyle and personality they work best for.
Here are some of the pros and cons, as well as some of the differences in these plans and who might benefit most from each type of plan:
These plans are a good fit for the person who really needs someone else to do a lot of the work for them. They eliminate menu planning and a lot of cooking. If you have a busy lifestyle, this type of plan may fit you well.
The food may seem expensive, so you need to be sure when you consider the plan cost, to deduct what you already spend on your food. Most of these plans include a transition to take you from their food to “regular food” when you have met your goal.
Unfortunately, most clients just stop the plan once they reach their goal and thus do not receive the proper education and training to maintain their weight loss. However, if you work with the nutrition counselors and follow their plan, weight loss and maintenance can be successfully achieved.
You meet with a weight loss counselor or nutritionist several times a week or even daily. They review your daily food journals, weigh you and discuss any problems you may be facing.
Most of these plans use food you purchase at the grocery store and teach you how to plan and cook for yourself. These types of plans can be very costly and often require a large payment up front. However, for those that need this level of guidance, the value could be considered priceless.
These plans are more affordable and do offer quite a bit of education. They use regular food and provide you with information on meal planning.
You can get one-on-one counseling, but during busy times, like January, counselors may not have as much time to give. A big part of these plans is the sharing of ideas at the weekly meetings.
If you choose this type of plan and feel you need more education, look for a member that has been successful on the plan and ask for the opportunity to “pick that person’s brain.
Whatever plan you choose, my best advice is to stick to it. All of them have the potential to get you to your goal. The rest really depends on you.
Until next time, stay healthy and be happy. |
