- 1). Consult your physician before beginning a diet plan, and ask if there are any dietary restrictions you should be following.
- 2). Calculate your daily caloric needs for weight loss. Women should not consume less than 1,200 calories per day and men should keep their caloric intake above 1,800 calories daily. Specific levels depend on your weight, age and activity level. Use a calorie calculator to estimate your individual needs and choose a corresponding diet plan.
- 3). Avoid any diet with severe restrictions on whole food groups. While it may be prudent to avoid foods high in sugar and fat, a healthy diet is one that balances fruits and vegetables with whole grains and lean protein.
- 4). Take into account your personal preferences. If you love pasta, the likelihood that you will stick to a diet that prohibits their consumption is slim to none. Choose a plan that you feel you can stick to long-term. The key to weight loss and healthy eating is consistency, so choose a plan you know you will enjoy.
- 5). Look for a plan that incorporates foods that can be found locally. Imported foods tend to be more expensive, and increase your carbon footprint. They are also not as fresh, with less potent vitamins and nutrients.
- 6). Avoid diets that promise fast weight loss. A one- to two-pound loss per week is a healthy pace, and any diet that suggests severe calorie or food group restriction will have a negative impact on your body.
- 7). Consider joining an online or local community if you enjoy working with others. Sharing a goal and providing and receiving support can increase weight loss and help you stick to a plan. When someone else is relying on you for support, it can boost your confidence and make you accountable for your own goals.
SHARE
