There are a lot of different programs for weight loss. If you walk into any fitness section in your local bookstore you’ll be able to find volumes on different diets, fads, trends, and promising programs about how to shed those pesky pounds. Sometimes the programs can be daunting or are based on shoddy logic such as eating a protein-only diet or going on and off of carbs. Is there good science behind any of it? It’s hard to know, really.
Anyways, any program for weight loss should really begin with diet and exercise. They are proven by science and just through common practice throughout human history. We all know the basic equation: burn more calories than you consume and you’ll lose weight. So much information gets lost in between that oversimplification, though. Moreover, it’s hard to maintain the motivation to keep up a diet solution. A lot of people end up breaking their diet and then negative feelings like guilt start to creep in to their experience turning them off completely.
The importance of good dieting and exercise can’t be overstated. The CDC reports that in 2009, the United States had about a 25% obesity rate. That means that 1 out of every 4 Americans is not just overweight, but obese, with a body-mass index over 30! Not only that, but there’s also increased anxiety over weight in the United States. Another study shows that about 1 out of every hundred girls suffers from anorexia and there are other statistics that show that mental stress over body image is pervasive and damaging.
The dieting industry itself is worth $55 billion dollars in sales per year. Is it hard to find good information? In a lot of cases people look for short cuts and quick fixes. Really though, there’s no way to get around good dieting and exercise practices. A simple dietary plan is a good way to start, and if you plan ahead enough you can make it easier to follow. Stick mostly to whole foods and fresh veggies, and avoid overly processed foods or fast food, also.
Once you get on a good eating program, developing a good physical program is next. Running is one of the easiest exercises out there, feels great, and can help to shed pounds and tone the body. All you need is a good pair of sneakers and the great outdoors.
If you do start a diet solution program, make sure it has good information and science behinds its approach. Having a coach can help, too, or at least a program that you can coach yourself through. Realize also that motivation is there to help you build the right habits, not to drive you through the whole process.