Have you tried every diet going but still had little weight-loss success? The problem may not be a lack of willpower, or even the types of plans you've tried. The problem could be that you are not ready for success.
Preparing yourself mentally and physically before starting a diet programme is vital. In fact, it could mean the difference between reaching your goals or repeating diet history.
Use our checklist to make sure you’re ready to go the distance. And
if you answer ‘no’ to any of the questions, use our tips to get you prepared to answer ‘yes’.
Print it out and check off each step as you accomplish it. When you’ve done that, you’re ready to start losing weight.
Have you set realistic goals?
Do you know how much weight you want to lose or how quickly you can safely lose it? Set realistic, attainable goals and know what to expect, so you don’t get frustrated and bail out before reaching your goal weight.
Before you begin: Prepare yourself for the fact that you’re not going to lose the weight overnight – remember, you didn’t gain it instantly. A healthy rate of weight loss is three to five pounds in the first week and one to two pounds each week thereafter. Sit down with your journal to determine what that means in terms of your individual goals.
Are you willing to change how you eat?
If you’re looking for a diet plan that can help you lose weight while you eat chips, chocolate and ice-cream, it doesn’t exist. If you want to drop the pounds and keep them off, you have to find healthier replacements for the high-calorie, high-fat foods that could be to blame for your weight gain. In fact, one of the factors that makes successful dieters successful is making lasting changes in their eating habits, as opposed to eliminating certain foods entirely – which can be a recipe for failure. Your meal plan will contain your favourite foods but moderation is the key and all foods are used as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Before you begin: Prepare your kitchen for easier dieting. Toss the Double Fudge Swirl and take the biscuits in your cupboard to the office, then restock with the foods you need to lose weight.
Fill the fridge with fresh fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean meat and seafood. Buy wholegrain cereals, pastas and healthy snacks, including rice cakes, air-popped popcorn and dried fruit. Have condiments such as mustard, salsa, low-fat salad dressings and soy sauce on hand for enhancing meals.
Are you ready to commit?
Most of us have hectic lives, working long hours and balancing family and social obligations. However, it’s harder to lose weight when most of your meals are take-outs (lack of control over portion sizes and ingredients means you’re likely to get more calories and fat). Eating more healthfully does take time and will require you to prepare most of your meals at home. Just ask yourself one question – are you worth it?
Before you begin: Pick a time when you know you can sit down and do some meal planning (maybe a Sunday afternoon or evening). Plan your meals for the week, then make sure you have all of the items you need to follow through.
