Archive for February, 2010

How to Choose a Successful Diet Plan

What is the definition of a successful diet plan? Is it low carb or low fat? Or maybe a successful diet plan is one of the many diet plans available such as Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers? The truth is, a successful diet plan is any sensible eating plan is one that you can live with and that is tailored to fit your personal needs.

It doesn’t matter if you are on your first diet or if you have been struggling on the diet roller coaster for years, the good news is that it really is possible to find a successful diet plan and lose weight.

Many weight loss experts will tell you that the secret to losing weight is moderation. Sure, you may be tempted to try a strict diet that limits carbs or tells you to stay away from your favorite foods but those who have long term success will often tell you that what worked for them is moderation.

Some diets may promise that you will lose weight quickly by following  strict rules such as only eating certain foods together or even suggesting cutting out certain food group.  In fact some of these weight loss plans may very well help you lose weight but they are often hard to stick with long term; and some of them are downright unhealthy.

Does  finding a successful weight loss plan sound  daunting? It really doesn’t have to be. Instead of thinking in terms of diet think about finding a healthy weight loss plan that you can follow for the rest of your life. After all, those who do lose weight and keep it off will usually tell you that the most successful diet plan is the one that can be followed long term.

Chances are you have heard the term yoyo dieting. This is what happens to many who find themselves constantly losing a few pounds only to gain it right back; and often even more.  Many dieters become victims of yoyo dieting because they don’t approach weight loss as a slow and steady race. Instead, they are looking for a quick fix which results in feelings of deprivation, and then binging.

Before you choose any diet plan remember, a successful diet plan is for life. Are you really willing to give up your favorite foods forever? Are you ready to cut out sugar or white bread entirely? Sure there are healthier choices but again, moderation is the key.

There are diet plans that tell you that to succeed you need to take their supplements or drink their shakes, which may be okay for the short term but can you really afford that for a lifetime? The most successful diet plan is the one that you can integrate into your own lifestyle. Do you have a spouse and children to cook for? Then you will want to choose a plan that doesn’t involve cooking an entirely different meal for them.

When you first start on a weight loss plan it is going to take some time getting used to. After all, it is hard to break old habits. However, choosing a weight loss plan that teaches you to eat sensibly such as  Weight Watchers,  or simply making healthy choices while counting calories is the best way to reach your long term weight loss goals.

Weight Watchers Weigh in Day 1

I did my weigh in this morning for the first time in well over a month. 204.5-could have been worse since my latest eating frenzy.  Time to really make Weight Watchers work for me this time. After all, I know from experience that the plan works if you plan ahead, journal and stick with it.

I started my morning with a bowl of low sugar oatmeal (maple and brown sugar) for 2 points as well as my coffee (another 2 points for the half and half). I also sprinkled cinnamon on my oatmeal because it is supposed to help keep blood sugar steady.  I haven’t laid out my whole diet menu plan for the day yet but will probably have a diet smoothie for lunch and a frozen meal and soup for dinner.  Tonight I will post exactly what I ate for the day.

Last night was a bad case of insomnia so I am going on about 4 hours of sleep. Still, I am not going to use that as an excuse to eat junk food or fill up on soda.  I keep hearing about “eating clean” which I am assuming means less processed food and more whole food.  I probably do lean toward too many processed foods but over time I plan to incorporate more whole foods into my diet.

I think later I will post a before picture here on my blog and perhaps take a new picture each month (or every milestone).  Right now I think my first goal is just to get back in the 190s.

Well I am off to get some things done. I want to move a lot today even though I am a bit sleep deprived.  I really want to consider this the first day of the rest of my life and I have so many changes that need to be made. I really want to lose the weight and the clutter from my life once and for all!