Every year thousands of people make resolutions to lose weight and get back into shape for a variety of reasons. For the majority of people, losing in excess of five to ten pounds is very difficult and maintaining a reduced weight is even harder. When choosing a weight loss program to follow, there are a few essential questions you should ask yourself before following any new diet.
Is this safe for me? A safe diet consists of a wide variety of foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Do not design or follow a program with a major food group restricted or too much of one group. You should have a varied diet to cover the recommended daily allowances of vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Conversely, following an advanced workout program when you clearly are a beginner is definitely not recommended and very unsafe. Be sure that any physical activity has been cleared by your medical practitioner.
Will this program allow me to lose weight effectively and efficiently? While a program guaranteeing you to lose 10 pounds in one week may seem like a dream come true, the saying "too good to be true" comes to mind. Often, programs stating these types of guarantees are effective only as diuretics. Diuretics make you lose water weight by causing you to become dehydrated. This allows you to lose between 5 and 10 pounds but ultimately you won't actually look any leaner. This goes for calorie restricted meal plans too. The rapid weight loss that happens at the beginning of the diet is mainly fluid loss. Safe and effective weight loss generally is about 1 - 3 pounds per week. A very heavy person may lose even more than that.
Is this program credible? Many people get sucked into purchasing programs without asking questions about its effectiveness and credibility. Here is a list of questions you should ask before shelling out any money or signing any contract:
1. What does the program consist of? Is there counseling or group sessions? Do you need to purchase any additional supplements or special food? Will it fit into my lifestyle?
2. What are the qualifications of the person who will be teaching me?
3. What are the potential side effects or risks of this program?
4. How much does it cost?
5. What are the typical results of participants on this program?
6. What is the maintenance portion of the program?
Before undergoing any new exercise or dietary changes, it is always a good idea to speak to your doctor.
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