1. Prepare for Short-Term Commitment and Results
To be successful with the Making the Cut plan, it is necessary to stay committed to the program. It lasts for 30 days and requires you to follow it exactly in order to achieve optimum results. The workout regimen is strict, and there are rules regarding foods and drinks that you cannot consume on the program. If you can commit and follow the rules, it is likely you will be successful at losing the promised 10 to 20 lbs. in the 30-day period.
It is good to remember that the program is designed as a quick fix. Your commitment will be short term, and it is likely your results will be as well. Losing weight long term requires a lifestyle change, not a diet. There are many tips within this program that can be incorporated into an overall healthy lifestyle, but if done for only a short time, the results will not last. It is possible to be successful on this program, but if you go back to your old lifestyle after losing the weight, you are setting yourself up to gain it back.
2. Eat a Variety of Foods
A positive attribute of the diet is that it allows for a variety of healthy foods. Often we fall away from healthy eating because we restrict ourselves to only a few fruits, vegetables and flavor combinations. Get creative with your meals and try new things to keep from getting into a food rut. If you eat varied foods, you will find it easier to stick to the plan throughout the 30 days. The book that outlines this diet, "Making the Cut: The 30-Day Diet and Fitness Plan for the Strongest, Sexiest You" by Jillian Michaels, also provides many recipes to help guide you in planning meals for the program.
3. Do the Optional
Throughout the book you will find optional exercises and additions to the required plan. For example, when exercising, it is ideal, but not a requirement, that you to split your workouts into two sessions a day. The reason for this is that after we exercise, we continue to burn calories, which is termed "afterburn" in the book. By working out in the morning and the evening, you increase the potential for "afterburn." As you follow the exercise program in the book, take note of these types of suggestions. If you make an effort to do them, you may find that you are more successful with the program.
4. Focus on the Mental Side of Weight Loss
A healthy lifestyle encompasses not only eating and exercise, but also mental health and how we interact with others. The book provides great tips for focusing on mental health that can be incorporated with or without this program, such as eliminating negative self-talk and practicing daily affirmations. Thinking negative thoughts about yourself can be detrimental to reaching your goals. Be accepting of yourself and believe you can make a change. Recognize when you've made positive changes and be proud of your accomplishments.
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