by Chrystal Kaminski

Created on: February 21, 2009

Many people will want to lose weight sometime in their lives. Whether it's a few pounds or a mass of stones. Picking the right weight loss program can be hard work and at times frustrating.

If we look around at media coverage and the internet there a massive amount of programs many of which are only short term solutions. Some offer quick weight losses which are very tempting, but often unrealistic. You may find that you lose weight, but gain it back and possibly more when you finish the program.

Some plans require you to eat specific foods which work for initially losing weight, but can ironically damage your health.

So what do we look for when choosing a plan? Check the facts. What is the plan offering you personally? Will it fit in with your lifestyle without making too drastic changes? How much is it going to cost in comparison to what the benefits are?

Due to the high number of people looking for quick results there are a lot of plans that are purely money making so be careful before signing up.

Things you could look for are

The amount of weight you could lose.
There are guidelines for healthy weight ranges which are available from many sources including GP's. These are usually determined by certain factors like height and age. Generally you could expect to lose no more than 2lb per week in order to have a long lasting loss. Although some weeks it will be less and the initial loss can be slightly higher.

If the plan costs, is support available?
Losing weight can be tough. You can be disappointed at times especially if it takes a long length of time to reach your goal. Having people around you going through the same thing can give you a boost and help you focus. Meetings in person or an online community can help us stick with the plan. Knowing you are not alone can make it easier, along with handy tips and advice from people who have been or are in the same situation.

Is the plan flexible?
Dislikes, allergies and medical conditions can prevent us from eating certain foods. Does the plan take these things into consideration? Can it be adapted to fit in the foods which you are able to eat? Unless your willpower is amazingly strong and you have no medical problems you may not be able to stick to a plan which requires you to eat a particular food, on certain days and at a specific time.

Flexibility refers to lifestyle as well as food. If you work long shifts and have a busy social and/or family life can the plan adapt to eating out and convenience meals? We don't all always have the time or skills to cook long complex recipes. Can the plan adapt to people who are also on a budget?

Exercise.
Healthy eating needs to be combined with regular exercise. Exercise should be flexible according to ability. Plans should advise seeking medical guidance before starting an exercise regime if you generally don't do any. There is no need for gyms or expensive equipment unless people want to buy or use it. For people with busy lifestyles you can fit exercise in on lunch breaks, evenings or weekends where possible. Families can find fun activities to do together benefiting even the laziest members!

Whatever plan you choose should be tailored to your needs. Plans should include a variety of foods in order to keep us healthy. The plan should focus on the long term as well as the short term.

Focus on small goals to reach your main goal and reward yourself for achieving milestones along the way, but not with the cream cake you have had your eye on!

Stay focused and seek guidance and support. Enjoy your food and activities by varying things so that the plan does not become boring. Remember why you started the plan and your goal. And finally
GOOD LUCK!

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