Qualities To Look For In A Sound, Healthy Weight Loss Program

Posted on: 12 October 2021

There are thousands of weight loss programs out there. Some are better than others, and to some degree, it is a matter of preference. However, you do really want to steer away from weight loss programs that are overly restrictive or unrealistic. Those that are medically sound and designed to promote healthy weight loss are far better for you in the long run, both mentally and physically. So, what qualities should you look for in a sound, healthy weight loss program? Here are some key ones.

Adequate Calorie Recommendations

Most weight loss programs do have you count or track calories, at least to some degree. Some are more focused on calorie counting than others. However, no matter how focused on calories the weight loss program is, you want to make sure the recommendations are not too low. Eating less than 1200 calories per day on a regular basis is not healthy. It's hard to meet your nutrient needs on this calorie intake. Also, under-consuming calories may just lead you to binge and over-eat later on. So, make sure the weight loss program you choose recommends 1,200 calories or more per day. If you're really active, you'll want substantially more than that.

No Forbidding of Food Groups

It is possible to lose weight while eliminating certain food groups from your diet. However, diet plans that totally eliminate entire food groups tend to be overly restrictive, which makes them hard to stick to. A plan that tells you to limit dairy is probably fine. One that says you can never eat dairy ever again is probably too restrictive. If you already exclude certain food groups, such as if you're already a vegetarian, then you can look for a plan that follows those existing guidelines. But don't burden yourself with eliminating food groups at the same time you're trying to lose weight.

Exercise Plans

Diet is only half of the equation when it comes to weight loss. The best plans also call for exercise since exercise is an important element of overall health. If you include exercise as part of your weight loss routine, you'll slowly build muscle over time. And the more muscle you build, the higher your resting metabolism will be, and the easier time you'll have losing weight.

Sorting through the wide range of weight loss programs available is not always easy. But if you focus on those that have adequate calorie recommendations, don't eliminate entire food groups, and call for exercise, you'll be off to a good start.

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