If you have ever been on a diet and have not been very successful, or have lost weight and then gained it back (a very common problem), then maybe you should consider what went into your planning.

Most individuals when they are planning to go on a diet simply check out few diets, ask a few friends, and then do the diet. What escapes most people is the REST of the planning. There is more to going on a diet or weight loss plan than simply doing the plan and losing the weight. If it were that easy, don't you think that everyone would be successful at losing and keeping weight off?

Here are some things to consider when planning for "your easy weight loss" program.

1. What weight loss plan are you going to use? Not all diets and weight reduction programs are alike. Try to choose one that you can live with and stay on for a long time. Don't just take your friend or your relatives word for it, make sure that you check out what the diet involves doing. Remember, not all diets are safe or healthy.

2. How much do you want to lose? Be careful here. If you "Bite off more that you can chew" at first, then you may be setting yourself up for a fall before you begin. If you know you need to lose 100 pounds, and have not had success before in keeping weight off, then start with a 20 pound goal. This is more easily achieved and will be a great starting point for the weight loss program. Once you have lost 20 pounds, go on and lose another 20. Do this five (5) times and you have reached your 100 pound weight loss goal.

3. How much time are you willing to give yourself? How much you want to lose will really determine how long to give yourself. Losing more that a pound or two a week is considered unhealthy. Many diet and weight loss plans brag about losing 10-20 pounds a week. Do that and you are risking your health. If you lose two (2) pounds a week, you will have lost over 100 pounds for the year (52 X 2 = 104). Do remember that you will probably not always lose 2 pounds a week. Some weeks it may be only one (1) pound or, maybe you will not lose anything. Due to strange happenings in our body physiology we may even gain a pound or two, even though we have been doing everything right. Do not let these minor quirks throw you off.

STAY WITH YOUR PROGRAM!

You must always plan for those minor (and sometimes major) setbacks that life will throw at you. Know how much weight you need or want to lose. If you find that you have made your goals a bit to difficult, then back them off but, don't give them up. If your diet or weight loss program does not seem to be working very well, then get another. There are scores of good programs out there that will actually work for you, just check them out.

The main thing is don't give up. Most people quit doing what works. They get tired of plans, feel like they are deprived, or just get lazy. If you quit I will assure you that you will be more tired of being overweight, feel even more deprived, and become even more lazy in the long run. Begin today.

copyright 2010