The Best Weight Management Plan For You

By Anne M. Rensberger, LICSW

Wondercoach

More Weight Control, Nutrition & Exercise Articles

The Best Weight Management Plan For You

Many clients ask me what the “best diet” is. There is no doubt in my mind that some weight management plans work better for some people than they do for others, but that no one plan works for everyone. How do you determine what plan works best for you?

1. How long do you think you need to be on a diet? If you have just a few pounds to lose, you can get away with one that is less nutritionally balanced than someone who needs to be on a diet for an extended period.

2. What kind of food do you like? Some diets are lower in fats; others are lower in carbohydrates; some are lower in protein.

3. How much and how often do you need to eat to feel full? Some plans allow you to eat a much greater volume of food than others. Some plans require more frequent meals in a day.

4. Do you need a structured program? For example, I personally need a particular maximum be it points, calories or whatever. The plans where I trust my own hunger have never worked for me, though they have for many.

5. Do you exercise and if so how much? This will certainly affect the amount of food you can consume and still lose weight.

6. What is your life like? Do you eat out frequently? Do you cook? Do you travel a great deal? Do you live with people who don't need to watch their weight?

7. Do you know what derailed your weight loss efforts in the past? Certain weight loss programs may not help you deal with your particular challenges.

8. Do you have any special health issues? If so, your medical professional can help you determine if a particular diet is all right for you.

9. Do you need the support of a group or a counselor or do you do better on your own?

You can find programs with group support, one-on-one counseling, or on-line support or you can handle things alone.

10. Have you had success with any particular diet or program in the past? I am a great believer in going with what works for you.

Choose a weight management program that works for you, and if it doesn't, you can change it. Remember, persistence not perfection is what pays off in the end.