(BlackDoctor.org) -- You shouldn’t choose a weight program just because the commercial on TV looks good. A good commercial doesn’t mean a good weight loss program; it means a good advertising budget. Choosing a weight loss program or diet is an important decision and it should be approached with careful thought.
You should do research by reading about the diet or weight loss program before actually committing to it. You should ask others who have tried the plan what they thought of it and if they experienced long-term success. All diets have pros and cons you will need to consider for yourself.
Your mission is to find a program that already meets your weight loss goals and eating preferences or one that you can modify to fit your own tastes without affecting its effectiveness.
Be Cautious with Your Budget
Choosing a weight loss program is just like making any other purchase: You'll probably need to shop around a while before you make a choice.
Finding the right weight loss program or diet for you is often a matter of trial-and-error. It's better not to invest too much money into a plan until you have tried it for some time.
For example, don't go to the book store and buy every South Beach cookbook if you don't know what the diet is actually like on a day-to-day basis. If a pre-packaged meal diet offers a two-week plan or a "dinners only" trial plan, by all means, you should purchase that first before buying a monthly or annual membership for a weight-loss plan that might not supply your needs.
Get the Official "OK"
You should always discuss any weight loss program you are considering with your doctor.
If you are thinking about a diet book, ask your doctor about it. Just because a diet book is a bestseller doesn't make it appropriate for you. Your doctor will probably want to know how many calories the diet allows and see an example meal plan (so he or she can be sure the diet is well-balanced and nutritious).
Ask the Right Questions
When comparing various weight loss programs, there are many important questions you should ask, such as:
• Are there any fees?
• Do I have to pay for (and am I expected to use) any special foods or supplements?
• Do you give refunds if I am not satisfied?
• Are there any health risks to this program?
• Do you offer maintenance support?
• What kind of professional supervision is there?
Does the Diet Measure Up?
You should also ask for details about how many calories will be consumed daily. For diets less than 1,500 calories, the Federal Trade Commission recommends that you check with your healthcare provider to ensure the plan meets your nutritional needs. It is unsafe to consume less than 1,200 calories a day unless you are directed to do so by your doctor and kept under medical supervision.
Healthy diets will also include lean meats (or other protein sources for vegetarians) and low-fat dairy products. You should be cautious of any weight loss program that cuts out entire food groups.
Exercise is an important part of one’s long-term weight loss success. That's why any reputable weight loss plan should recommend that its participants take part in regular and moderate physical activity.
- BlackDoctor.org is a credible and trusted resource for African Americans to get healthy lifestyle information. A "WebMD" for Black consumers is a good way of looking at us. Our aim is to build a comprehensive database of accurate, relevant information and to be the first point of call whenever African Americans need medical/dental information or a referral to a qualified Black doctor.