As the end of 2008 approaches, it is the perfect time to begin planning for the New Year. As people begin to think about New Year’s Resolutions, losing weight will be at the top of the list for many.
How does one go about picking a weight loss plan that will work? The best way is to do your homework and study several plans before you choose one. You may even find yourself taking the best parts of several plans and tailor making one specific to your needs.
Over the years I have tried many weight loss plans. Most of them will help you lose weight, but the real question you must ask yourself is “Is this a plan I can live with for the rest of my life?” A weight loss plan that is designed for you to be on for a short period of time may help you lose weight. The problem is that when you start eating normally again…you will gain the weight right back.
Here are 4 weight loss plans that are designed to help you lose weight AND maintain that weight for the rest of your life. I have lost 50 pounds using one or a combination of these plans. Not only do I look and feel better, I have changed many of the bad eating habits that led to my weight gain to begin with.
1) The Best Life Now Diet. The “die-t” is not usually a work I associate with a life-changing weight loss plan. But the word “diet in this plan refers soley to “diet” as the food you eat…not a short term weight loss plan.
I love this diet! Developed by Bob Greene, Oprah’s personal trainer…this plan tackles the emotional as well as the physical aspect of overeating. It does not just slap a bank-aid on the problem. It gives you tools to tackle your specific problem areas through 3 distinct phases.
The process of taking baby steps to reach your goal is very effective because you do not feel so overwhelmed. I lost 20 pounds just in Phase 1 and the only changes I made were:
- a) No eating past 2 hours before bedtime.
- b) Drink 6-8 cups of water a day
- c) Eat breakfast every morning
- d) Eat more fiber
- e) Take daily vitamin
Losing those 20 pounds seemed practically effortless. The hardest part for me was ending the before bed snacking…but the effort was well worth the sacrifice. Not only did I lose weight, I changed a bad habit! On top of that, I also plan to take helpful and effective weight loss supplements like leptoconnect. I checked some leptoconnect reviews online and the feedback of all the customers are positive. This brand is also made from all natural ingredients so I can assure that this is very healthy and safe.
2) The Ultimate Weight Loss Solution. This plan, developed by Dr. Phil McGraw, is another one that tackles the emotional aspects of overeating. It also includes a jump start plan that is designed to jump start your metabolism. The jump start only lasts for 2 weeks, and then you are allowed to slowly incorporate certain foods back into your diet.
I believe this is a great plan that you can no only lose weight with, but live with as well. For me, the problem came in the first 2 week jump start. It was a bit too stringent for me and I found it difficult to do in cooking for my family. Still, it is a great plan that encourages lifestyle change, including exercise.
3)Thin Again Weight Loss Plan. I find the name of this plan a bit presumptious because, personally, I have never been thin. Still, the plan is a good one…especially if you believe that God can help you in your weight loss journey. This plan takes a spiritual approach to losing weight. Through scripture, prayer and inner healing, you will slowly begin to WANT to do what is best for your mind, spirit and body. This plan sees excess weight as a symptom of a spiritual lack in your life…and takes that angle in dealing with the issue.
I lost several pounds on this plan, but felt I needed a few more specific guidelines in order to have the true success I wanted.
Weight Watcher’s. This plan has undergone many changes over the years. Whereas it used to be very stringent in what you were allowed to eat, it has no remade itself so that it is all about making these healthy diet changes that you can live with. Although Weight Watchers does offer prepackaged foods, it is not a requirement to use them. It gives guidelines for making healthy choices in the foods you normally eat focusing on portion control. There is also a big emphasis on support and accountability, which is why you are encouraged to attend weekly weigh in meetings.
I have never personally tried Weight Watchers, but know many people who have lost a lot of weight and kept it off using this plan.
All of these plans will put you on the road to a lifetime of success in conquering any of your unhealthy eating habits. Just remember that it is a process. Take your time, and set small goals along the way. If you do this, you will not only lose weight, you will keep it off.
