Weight Loss Plan

By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 11/19/2007 at 03:05PM

Losing weight takes a lot of desire and commitment. In order to effectively lose weight and keep it off for good, you need to develop a weight loss plan that you can actually live with.

State Your Goals: This is the first and most important step to any weight loss plan because it will guide the entire process. Many people try to lose weight by crash dieting, losing a few pounds, getting discouraged, gaining a few pounds and eventually falling off the diet. This yo-yo effect occurs because it can be difficult to keep the big picture in mind when you really want that extra slice of cake. If you are constantly trying to starve yourself to just lose more and more weight, it will be difficult to see the light at the end of tunnel. If you have clearly stated your weight loss goals and expectations, you will be able to visualize both your objectives.
Plan Out Both Short and Long Term Goals: The end goal may be a certain weight limit, a waist measurement, or fitting into a favorite pair of jeans. Whatever it is, clearly state it from the beginning. Break down your plan into short achievable segments that lead to the end result. So, if you want to be able to fit into your old pre-pregnancy bathing suit, make a plan to try on clothes that are just a little smaller every few weeks so that you can see how well you are progressing towards your goal.
Get Real: Keep your goals specific, realistic, and flexible. For instance, if you decide you want to lose two pounds a week for the next eight weeks, assess whether or not that level of quick weight loss will work for your current schedule. Do you have an upcoming vacation, family event, or conference that will require you to be more flexible about your diet? Plan ahead for these occasions so that they don't surprise you and lead to discouragement.
Be Honest: It’s very difficult to lose weight and keep it off if you’re constantly lying to yourself about the foods that you eat and the amount you exercise. This does you no good. If you know that you won’t be able to make it through the week (or the day) without a sweet treat, then accept this fact and figure out how you can incorporate it into your weight loss plan. Can you substitute fat free frozen yogurt for high-fat ice cream? Or can you plan on an additional 15 minute walk in the evenings to burn off those french fries? Be honest with yourself about both the foods you eat and the amount of exercise that you can handle when designing your weight loss plan.
Clean House: Now is the time to get rid of all of the foods and other items in your house or office that are keeping your from losing weight. Pitch the soda, chips, cookies, and ice cream in your kitchen. Don't wait until you've finished them, because these foods somehow mysteriously replenish themselves. Just get rid of them. Next take a look around to see if there are any other objects that will inhibit your weight loss goals. Will the TV in the kitchen make you linger near the food rather than move on with your day? Also check to see if your weight loss and exercise gear like weights, bike helmets, and yoga mats are easily accessible and ready for use?
Go Shopping: Now that you have set your goals, and determined the path you’re going to take in order to achieve them, it’s time to make a list and go shopping. It can be very easy to eat wholesome, nutritious foods that will help you lose weight if you actually have them in your kitchen. And it can be very easy to eat chips, junk food, and fast food if you haven't planned a better meal or if you don't have the right ingredients available. Take the time to think of a few simple, low-cal meals and snacks that you will enjoy preparing and eating (a few examples: grilled chicken and veggies, low-cal/low-fat yogurt, and low-fat chef salad) Keep these ingredients well-stocked in your kitchen so that you will always have something healthy to reach for when hunger strikes. You can also increase your results with the product Slimirex™.
Get Started: Your goals are set, your attitude has changed, your house is free of deterrents and full of healthy, nutritious foods. You are finally ready to start losing weight. And while it may seem daunting at first, rest assured that with your weight loss plan, you have laid a solid foundation for losing weight. And by following its flexible, realistic, and achievable outline, you’re almost sure to succeed.

For all of your weight loss and obesity needs, including natural remedies, tips, products, support forums, the life changing eBook “Ten Super Secrets to Weight Loss” and much more, please visit us at www.weightlossobesity.com or www.slimirex.com.

About the Author

Dr. Edward F. Group III continues to develop, sell and evaluate exclusively high-end natural and organic healthcare products to support a wide range of health conditions. The products we promote are free of toxic tag-along herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, heavy metals, fumigants, irradiation, liver-toxic glues, binders, or gelatin capsules with animal-source risk and toxic preservatives.