When you start a new diet, you might feel the initial tingle of excitement because you’re finally making a change for the better. However, you’ll soon come to realize that there’s a much higher chance that you’ll fall off the wagon than you’ll lose the weight you’ve dreamed about. All it really needs is a good, solid plan.
One way to shed pounds is by joining a weight loss program. Established by a team of expert fitness trainers and nutritionists, they aim at helping you not only shed the weight but adjusting your lifestyle as well. However, there’s still always something you can do yourself before joining a fully-fledged weight loss program.
Here are 5 things you can do before joining a weight loss program:
Speak to your physician
A visit to your doctor is absolutely necessary at the beginning of your weight loss journey. They will be able to provide you a complete picture as to what your body can or can’t handle. You can also find out why you’re having trouble losing weight, if you have any health issues preventing it, and what you can do about it. It’s best to understand if you suffer from diabetes, cholesterol, or thyroid issues. Take all the necessary tests needed and ask your doctor about anything you wish; they’ll be able to give you an idea on how to have optimal health.
Understand how to keep track
One thing’s for sure, knowing your current weight and progress is never enough when you’re stepping on the scale or checking how your body looks like in the mirror. An accurate measurement and weight should be factored into consideration when it comes to knowing how much you weigh and how much you need to lose. You can use this tool, which allows you to calculate the percentage of body fat you have, and based on that, you can start your weight loss journey. A body fat calculator can give you an estimated figure of how much fat is in your body and how much you’re losing throughout your journey.
Choose the right weight loss program
There are a lot of weight loss programs and diets around enough to trick you into thinking that this is ideal for you. Many of them follow fad or crash diets, and that only gives you a temporary fix. You need to be sure that you’re joining a program that will cater to your lifestyle, your current weight, your dietary restrictions, and that it’s something you’re overall comfortable with. It also needs to be easy to follow because you don’t want to fall off the wagon and go on a binge-eating craze. An ideal program needs to be backed up by nutritionists or healthcare professionals; this way, you’ll have long-term results. You can check out Coupon Lawn for a great weight loss program!
Cut out temptations
One of the most important things to do when you’re about to start your weight loss journey is to cut out all temptations. That means that you should get rid of any junk food or unhealthy snacks at home. Do a full sweep and empty out your fridge, pantry, or any secret stash you have lying around. Do so at your office as well if you keep a snack drawer. Then, be sure to set a time each week to go shopping for groceries that will help keep your cravings at bay. Buy everything that is ‘clean’ food, meaning it should be healthy snacks, vegetables, fruits, or any other ingredient part of your diet. When you have the necessary ingredients and healthy food items at home, you’ll be able to cook your own meals, won’t binge on takeout or snacks, and you’ll feel less guilty but more prepared.
Set goals
This weight loss journey can only work when you set yourself some realistic short-term and long-term goals. Imagine where you want to be when you’re done with this weight loss journey; ask yourself why you’re losing the weight and where do you see yourself. When you have a vision ahead of you, it will help you plan out your weight loss journey better; you’ll be much more motivated, energized, and determined to stick to your diet no matter what. Keep a journal that will help you track your milestones and that will encourage you to keep going.
Here’s the thing, losing weight isn’t just about dieting; it’s a lifestyle, and there are many things you need to adjust in your life before you start a new diet. Dieting may be tough at first, and many people end up yo-yo dieting most of their lives. However, with the right mindset and the ideal weight loss plan, anyone can shed off the weight and lead a healthier lifestyle.
