Questions to Ask Before You Go on a Diet

Are you someone who is embarking on a weight loss journey? Here are the 5 questions you should be asking yourself before you go on a diet.

If you find it tough to maintain a healthy weight, you aren’t alone. Recent statistics show that 70% of Americans are overweight or obese.

Many people struggle with the yo-yo effect of losing weight then regaining it a short time later. Maybe you’re one of those people and want your next weight loss journey to be the one that works.

There is no shortage of choice when it comes to weight loss programs. But before you go on a diet, ask yourself these 5 questions to improve your chances of success.

1.Why Go on a Diet Now?

Before you choose a diet, understand your personal motivation. With that self-awareness, you are more likely to stay on track. 

Whatever your answer is to the question “why now?”, make sure it’s based on what *you* want and need. If you go on a diet because someone else says you should, your chances of success are low.

Everyone’s motivation is personal. But here are 4 common motivations to help you pinpoint your own:

Event

Upcoming events such as weddings, reunions, galas, etc. offer a tangible target for reaching the point where you feel your best. For many people, events provide a healthy nudge toward achieving their weight loss goal.

Health

If you have a chronic disease, regaining your health can be a strong motivator. Weight loss can contribute to the reduction of symptoms of many chronic conditions. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and heart disease. 

Weariness

If you’ve carried excess weight for years, you might discover you’re weary of that state. Weariness can be an effective motivator. This kind of motivation is often the result of therapy or other self-discovery processes.

Enjoying Life

It’s not uncommon for overweight or obese people to feel that their weight is holding them back from enjoying life and pursuing dreams. 

2. Does the Diet Suit Your Food Lifestyle?

Before you go on a diet, think about your food lifestyle.

What are the foods you like or are willing to try? Even for time-limited diets, if a diet requires you to eat foods you don’t like, you’re unlikely to stick with the plan.

Are you on the road often for work? Staying on a diet while traveling can be challenging. Diet plans that require you to eat pre-packaged foods or eat at specific times might not be right for you. If you have to pack three days worth of food, you’re apt to give up on the plan.

Do you prepare or take part in family meals? Weight loss plans that include foods others can eat too will take the spotlight off you. When you feel like you can share what you eat, you are more likely to follow the diet.

Dining out is a challenge anytime you go on a diet. The good news is that most restaurants start with “real food” ingredients. If you often eat in restaurants, look for a program that uses “real food”. This will make something on the menu (or requesting small adjustments) easier. That, in turn, makes it easier to stick to your plan. 

If you’re susceptible to cravings, diet plans that don’t allow snacking might not be the answer.

3. Is It Within Your Budget?

Don’t underestimate the importance of a budget. It can be easy to think that going on an expensive diet will make you stick to it because you won’t want to waste money. Too often, the opposite is true.

Spending more than you can afford on pre-packaged food, drugs, etc. can be stressful. And, as most people who go on a diet know, too much stress is a good way to fall off your weight loss program.

Instead, look for an affordable program that will keep your grocery bill at or below normal. Also watch out for hidden fees. Your weight loss journey shouldn’t include surprise costs.

4. Does It Include Group Support?

For many people, it’s easier to stick with a diet plan with the support of peers. Family and friends can pull you back into old habits. They don’t do it on purpose but it happens.

Sharing challenges, successes, and tips with “strangers” can be powerful. The absence of complex and close emotional ties removes inhibition. Yet, knowing that everyone in the group is on a similar journey creates trust.

Online or in-person, support groups give you community. As with most things in life, community can help you get through rough patches and remain accountable. Plus, helping others can build confidence and lasting friendships.

5. Is There Medical Supervision?

It’s a good idea for anyone who is overweight or obese and ready to go on a diet to get medical approval first.

If you’re already under a doctor’s care, he/she can help you know if the diet plan is safe and appropriate for you.

Even if you don’t have any known issues, a doctor can give you benchmark health data (e.g. blood pressure and heart rate) before you start the diet. It’s also an opportunity to identify early-stage health issues.

When you speak with a doctor before going on a diet, you can also discuss healthy weight loss goals based on your BMI (Body Mass Index).

Of equal importance to pre-diet screening is ongoing medical supervision. As you lose weight, frequent check-ins can make sure you’re lowering your BMI at a healthy rate. A doctor can identity metabolic changes and watch for any early signs of issues.

In Summary

You might know from past experience that not all diet programs are equal. And that a weight loss plan that worked for your friend, isn’t always the right one for you.

You want your next attempt to lose weight to be your last. Take the time to ask questions. Make sure your motivation, lifestyle, and budget align with a program’s structure and parameters. By doing that, you set yourself up for success.

The ChiroThin Weight Loss Program is ideal for people who have tried to lose weight before and didn’t achieve lasting success. If you’re ready to efficiently metabolize more fat and use it as energy, find a ChiroThin doctor in your area today!