A great weight loss plan strikes a good balance between a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. It sounds so simple in theory, but most of us who want to lose weight find it difficult to stick to this philosophy alone. What’s worse is that we’ve read a tumultuous body of literature on the “right” or “best” way to lose weight, and somehow we’re even more confused.
When you commit to losing weight, you need to make sure you choose a healthy weight loss plan. You may be wondering how to ensure that the weight loss plan you are about to create is the right one that will work for you. Well, simply put, it’s about paying attention to what you eat and making sure you’re engaging in an active sport or exercise program. For people bordering on obesity, it’s best to consult a health fitness coach or nutritionist to ensure you get professional advice on the best weight loss plan that suits your needs and lifestyle. For people who have gained some weight and want to lead a healthier lifestyle, here are the five key features of a truly healthy weight loss plan.
- Proper nutrition instead of single-item diets
There is no shortcut to healthy eating. To your advantage, simply avoid any weight loss plan that pushes you to only eat one food. Most people are under the impression that we do well if we only eat foods that increase our fiber or protein intake. It should be emphasized that healthy weight loss means eating a balanced diet from all food groups. Starvation and food deprivation will definitely crash your system in the long run. You can temporarily lose weight, but this only encourages an unhealthy relationship with food. The most important thing to remember is moderation.
- Calorie conscious eating plan
Eating mindfully is the first step to a healthy diet. The best way to do this is to follow a plan that allows you to track your calorie intake. Being aware of how many calories you are consuming is an essential part of losing weight. Many of us find counting calories tedious. However, a healthy weight loss plan ensures you’re getting just the right amount of calories your body needs to burn for energy. There is no need to eliminate high calorie foods from your diet. Just choose a diet program that makes it convenient for you to calculate the number of calories you need to lose a certain amount of weight. Reading food labels is a good place to start.
- Portion management, water intake and weight loss
Calories aside, a good weight loss plan should encourage you to maintain portion control. Again, there is no need to deprive yourself of food. A good weight loss plan allows you to exercise your inner discipline to consciously eat in moderation and in appropriate amounts to keep you satisfied and healthy at the same time. Additionally, proper hydration is a key factor in healthy weight management. Most of us take water for granted. We drink too little water during the day. Worse, we forget how important water is to healthy living. Proper hydration plays an important role in detoxification. Drinking 8 or more glasses a day will flush away all toxins, waste, and even excess water, leaving you feeling light, healthy, and fit. It’s even a good technique to increase satiety while eating.
- training program
A good weight loss plan should include a regular exercise program. Regardless of which sport or exercise you want to do, exercise is an important prerequisite for healthy weight loss. Make sure you embrace gradual change. Nothing too intense at first and then slowly increase the intensity to ensure good body conditioning. Many people who have gained weight have been living sedentary lifestyles for a long time, so getting active slowly but surely is important to avoid injury and ensure long-term success. You should start gradually, say 20 minutes a day. You can start by simply walking or jogging in the park. Then, over time, you can increase the intensity and duration of your exercise program to avoid a training rut and keep up the challenge. Just like eating a balanced diet, there’s no shortcut to losing excess fat other than moving your body. An exercise program is also a great way to improve your mood and self-esteem in the long term.
- A weight loss plan that fits your lifestyle
Healthy weight loss is basically a major lifestyle overhaul. Don’t be put off by this long-term goal. Choosing a healthy weight loss plan should require an assessment of your current lifestyle. To ensure you can meet your weight loss goals, plan a weight loss plan that will allow you to still live the life you want without compromising your health and happiness. If you’re a career-oriented person who’s always on the go, choose a weight management plan that doesn’t take up your time 24/7. Better yet, take inspiration from your current lifestyle and extend it to your goals for healthy living. Busy people can stick to an afternoon or weekend schedule for their exercise routine. Eating healthy on the go takes a little meal planning and time management. There is always a way to adapt a good weight loss plan, regardless of your work or family needs. All you have to do is manage your time well and commit to making healthy choices.
Thanks to Kate Trillin
