It does not take long to find an ad about the latest and greatest fat burning diets. They guarantee results but what happens when expectations aren’t met? Before you know it, you could be out a few hundred bucks and two months lost.
Below are 11 surefire tips to make sure your next fat burning diet program suits you best. According to health professionals, here’s what you’ll need to consider while shopping for fat burning diets.
1. Find a program that works for you.
Do you want the support of a group, or would you prefer one-on-one attention? Would you like an internet, home-based, or work format? If you go with a group, weigh-ins are nothing to fear. Diet programs want you to keep coming back. They won’t humiliate you by making a public spectacle of your weight.
2. Avoid prepackaged bars and shakes.
Although prepackaged foods are convenient, they won’t help you learn to choose fat burning foods in the grocery aisle. Products like Slim-Fast are a good short-term tool to lose a few pounds, but surveys indicate these programs have a high dropout rate.
3. Diet pills won’t help.
According to a Consumer Search report, research shows they’re ineffective. Although they don’t require FDA approval, diet pills have the potential to interact negatively with other drugs, producing serious complications. A diuretic effect can leave you dehydrated.
4. Avoid fat burning diets based on eliminating certain foods or eating fad foods.
Vegetarian diets are not harmful, but they do require protein-replacement and low-fat dairy foods in order to be healthy. Especially avoid any diet that tells you to stop eating carbohydrates, fats, or suggests that you subsist on cabbage and grapefruit. Stick with programs that promote a balanced mix of fat burning foods like fruits, veggies, protein, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber.
5. Find a plan that’s adaptable
Something you can follow whether you’re on vacation, out with friends, or need something fast during your commute. Avoid plans that require you to prepare diet meals for yourself and “normal” meals for your family.
6. Look for programs that encourage regular workouts and can help with other issues like emotional eating, stress reduction, and redefining your body image.
7. Maintain a support system, even after you accomplish your goal. Ongoing support will keep you on track and prevent relapse.
8. Overeaters Anonymous (OA) is a free 12-step support group that’s open to everyone. OA takes a nondenominational and spiritual approach to eating disorders like overeating, binge eating, bulimia, and anorexia. Although OA does not offer specific diet and exercise plans, it’s a good support system for recovery from addictions related to food.
9. Always check with your physician before beginning any weight loss program.
10. Be clear about cost. Whether costs are up-front or ongoing, and whether food or supplements are included.
11. If your weight puts you at risk medically, weight loss costs, including those for program membership and counseling, may qualify as a tax-deductible medical expense. Food costs are not deductible.
Did I leave anything out that you think readers must know? Share them in the comments and I’ll add them in this comment.
