Things To Consider When Choosing A Weight Loss Method

Checklist/Worksheet 

 

Time/ Effort Considerations:

How much food preparation is required?
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Will more time be needed to cook separate meals for the rest of the family?
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Does the plan fit my work and general lifestyle and schedule?
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How much time needs to be dedicated to the diet?
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Is there tracking involved ( ie: calories, points, carbs, fat counts, portion control, weighing of food)?
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Is the tracking feasible and will I be disciplined in carrying it out on a daily basis?
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Financial Considerations:

Does the weight loss method cost money? If yes, can I afford it?
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Is purchasing special food products required?
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Will it cost more than the usual amount spent on groceries?
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Does the weight loss method require any special tools: scales, cooking tools etc?
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Food Considerations:

What are the food restrictions?
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Can I live with the food restrictions?
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Are the allowed foods acceptable and ones I like and will eat?
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Support Considerations:

Is there any type of structured support? (ie: online support community, or a personal consultant?)
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Support Action Steps:
• Join any of the great general weight loss online forums to get support.
• Tell your friends that you are starting a new plan and reach out for support.
• Join a gym and network with fitness minded people there.
• Get a personal trainer, they can be very motivational.
• Ask your family for support with specifics of what you need:  Getting rid of temptation foods from the house, have another family member cook meals for a while as to not get tempted to eat foods not allowed on the plan. Ask family member to join in on any exercise, like walking, this creates accountability, which makes it harder to say no to exercise.

Family Considerations:

What kind of effect will the diet have on the rest of the family?
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Will separate meals need to be prepared for the other family members?
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Will foods in the house that other family members eat interfere with my progress? ____________

If yes, consider these action steps:
• Ask the family to make a sacrifice and not have these in the house.
• Stock these items somewhere where you will not see them, out of sight out of mind.

Eating Out Considerations:

Is eating out doable and supported on the diet?
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Medical Considerations:

Is the diet in line with any medications being taken?
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Is it okay with my doctor?
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Does it work with any medical conditions you have?
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Will the diet interfere with any health conditions or medications?
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Long Term Effects Considerations:

Have you tried it before and it failed? _______________

If so, why?
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Is this diet a temporary band aid or will it teach you to eat right and therefore keep the weight off?
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Is the eating plan something I can live with long term?
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Exercise Considerations:

What are the exercise requirements?
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Do the exercise requirements fit in my schedule? ___________________

Am I willing to workout? ______________________________