7 Key Components of a Good Weight Loss Program
Whether you’re new to the weight loss game or an experienced dieter, finding a good program is essential for long term success. There are a few factors you should look for when selecting a plan including cost, how much structure it provides, and the credentials of health professionals who offer support.
A good weight loss program should focus on helping you make healthy lifestyle changes. Those include changing your diet and behavior, as well as making other positive health choices, like getting enough sleep and limiting stress. It should also promote a gradual rate of weight loss rather than promising you huge, quick results. In fact, rapid weight loss is often more difficult to maintain for the long haul and may even be unsafe unless it’s done under medical supervision or involves a short, very low-calorie diet.
In terms of diet, a good program should offer flexibility and encourage you to eat a variety of foods. You don’t want to have to worry about eating too few calories or avoiding foods because it might leave you feeling deprived or hungry. The program should also provide guidance on how to manage emotional triggers that lead to overeating.
You’ll also want to look for a program that makes it easy to track what you’re eating. This will help you identify patterns such as having a high-calorie coffee drink, mayonnaise on your lunch, or chocolate on your afternoon break. Some programs provide apps that can remember frequently eaten items, scan barcodes for packaged food, and allow you to import recipes.
Finally, a good weight loss program should be affordable for your budget. The cost of different plans can vary depending on the level of support offered, the qualifications of health professionals who provide that support, and whether or not food is included with the program. For example, Joggo is one of the least expensive programs at only $12 per month, while Nutrisystem can cost up to $400 per month and deliver meals to your door.
With so many programs available, it can be challenging to find the right one for you. But if you keep in mind the 7 key components discussed above, you can narrow your options and find a safe, effective program that will help you meet your goals for long term success. Check out our rankings of the best weight loss programs for 2024 to get started.
