Choosing a Weight Loss Program

Choosing a weight loss program can be overwhelming. Low carb, low fat, commercial programs… the possibilities are endless. A good place to begin is your doctor’s office. He or she can give you a complete picture of your current health and suggest safe methods for getting fit. As you evaluate your options, keep the following tips in mind and remember that almost any plan will work, but only if it really motivates you.

It’s a life-long effort! Weight control does not happen in a few weeks or even a few months. To be effective, your plan must use a long-term approach including both weight loss and weight maintenance.

Use a simple equation. Your current weight is regulated by the number of calories you eat vs. the number of calories you burn each day. To lose weight, you must burn more calories than you eat on a daily basis. Check nutritional labels and include plenty of fruits and vegetables to be sure you’re getting all the vitamins and minerals you need.

Get up and get moving! There’s more to weight control than healthy eating. Physical activity is the most important ingredient in any diet plan. Exercise may improve your mood, increase your energy level and lower your risk of heart disease – in addition to helping you lose weight! Try for 30 minutes or more each day and make it equally important as eating well.

As you navigate your personal course to a healthy new you, remember that your local TOPS offers products and services to help you achieve your weight loss goals.