Which Diet Is Best for Weight Loss?
It’s time once again to give losing weight another try. Will you attempt a no-carb diet? A carnivore meal plan? Intermittent fasting? There are so many options to choose from, so it can be difficult to know where to start.
What’s worse is that many of the most popular diets can actually be bad for you, because crash and fad diets can put you on a never-ending cycle of gaining and losing weight.
Fortunately, you don’t have to sift through endless blog posts and reviews to pick out a weight loss plan.
At Prime Choice Family Clinic & Urgent Care in Frisco, Texas, we know that the best weight loss plan is the one you can stick to. We don’t subscribe to fads and trends. Instead, we evaluate your health, wellness, and goals and use that information to help you make the best choice.
The key is to keep it simple, remembering that weight loss can be boiled down to creating a calorie deficit every day (calories in vs. calories out). The rest is all about optimizing nutrition based on your specific needs.
Here’s a checklist to help you find that perfect diet.
Does the diet match my eating style?
If the plan you’re considering requires that you eat six times a day, yet you hardly manage to squeeze in two meals, it’s probably not the best choice. Look for a diet that accommodates your travel schedule, dining-out habits, family needs, ability to cook and prepare, and daily activities.
Does it work with my activity levels?
Increasing your activity levels is crucial to creating a calorie deficit, but you could be breaking a sweat in vain if your diet doesn’t support your workouts. Depending on the type of exercise you’re doing, you need to adjust what you’re eating.
We can help everybody find the best diet, from bodybuilders and marathon runners to casual walkers.
Can I stick to it?
We’re not just talking for a month or two. Short-term diet plans rarely work, so choosing a program you can see yourself sticking to for the long haul is important. So, if a diet plan forces you to eliminate an entire food group, it’s probably not sustainable.
Do I even like it?
If you hate fish or can’t stomach a protein shake, chances are you won’t stick to the plan. Find a plan you like, can prepare easily, and can afford. Or, modify a plan to fit your needs.
How quickly will I lose weight?
We know those get-skinny-fast plans may seem like the best way to go, but we recommend a slow and steady approach. Focus less on dramatic changes and opt for plans that encourage small, gradual adjustments.
You may not shed fat in a matter of a few weeks, but you will lose weight, and you’ll do it safely and hopefully for good.
Is it structured or flexible?
Are you the type who needs guidance and direction at every step? You might choose a plan that provides pre-made meals and detailed instructions on when to eat and when to exercise. If you’re just looking for a few suggestions and largely want to make the choices yourself, find a balanced and nutritious plan that offers more flexibility.
Do I need to take supplements?
Diet plans that require you to take anything other than a daily vitamin should make you stop and reconsider. There’s no reason you should need to buy tons of extra products to achieve your weight loss goals.
The bottom line
There’s really no magic diet that’s guaranteed to make you lose weight. Every person needs something different, so we can’t recommend a specific plan outright. Instead, we begin with a conversation about your health, lifestyle, and goals. Any weight loss plan worth its salt should include:
- An exercise component
- A variety of foods from each food group
- Support from researchers and experts
- A slow and steady plan
- Portion control strategies
- Room for snacking and your favorite foods
- A recommendation for hydration
We know how overwhelming trying to lose weight can be, so don’t go it alone. Call our friendly staff at 214-550-0911 or use our online booking tool to meet with an expert at Prime Choice Family Clinic & Urgent Care today.