Even though the results you want might come slowly, you can achieve your positive weight-loss and health goals if you commit to permanent beneficial diet and lifestyle changes. It can take a while to find an approach that works for you, but your patience can pay off in the long run.
Strategies
Due to variations in genetics, personality, attitude and other factors, the same diet plans and lifestyle adjustments don't work for everyone. You should consider your needs and preferences when choosing or designing a diet plan. You are more likely to get good results if you find a diet you are motivated to stick with and enjoy following.
Progress
After starting a new diet and adopting healthy lifestyle changes, wait at least a few weeks before evaluating your progress. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a healthy rate of weight loss is 1 to 2 pounds per week.
Measures
Numbers on a scale are a useful measure for how effective diet, fitness and weight-loss plans can be, but they don't always tell the whole story. If your fitness plan involves strength training or weightlifting, the lean muscle you gain while working out could show up initially as additional pounds on the scale. More reliable markers of progress for better health plans include body measurements, a BMI calculation and feelings of increased energy, reduced stress and improved mood.
Health
The most permanent improvements come through a complete fitness plan that combines a balanced, nutritious diet and regular exercise. Although some improvements are evident, others aren't so obvious. According to MyPyramid, eating a nutritious diet can reduce risks of stroke, diabetes, cancer, heart attack, kidney stones and bone loss. According to the Mayo Clinic website, exercise can reduce your risk of osteoporosis and other chronic diseases and can help you sleep better, improve your sex life and boost your daily energy levels.
Considerations
Before adopting any new diet or fitness plan, talk with a doctor or healthcare professional about the plan's details, suitability and safety. If you have existing health conditions, food sensitivities or allergies, some diets and exercise routines might pose health risks for you. Also, any diet that focuses too heavily on one type of food or excludes at least one main food group presents the risk of nutrient deficiencies and corresponding health issues.
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