About Diet Programs

About

If you are looking for the “tried-and-true” or proven recipes, then these larger brands are the best way to keep things simple.  However there are so many new and different programs now on offer, and many of them are doubtlessly good as well – it’s just that they have not collected the supporting data that the larger programs have.  The most important thing is to make an educated and sustainable decision for yourself.

When making your decision, we suggest that you look for the following features when selecting a weight management program:

• There should be a psycho-social component to the program that allows you to work toward your goals with others
• There should not be any gimmicks or specific products used in the program, such as shakes or supplements
• There should be a focus on the use of fresh fruit, meat and vegetables as the staple foodstuffs
• You should be able to easily imagine yourself sustaining the habits suggested well after the program has finished
• There should be no reason to continue to buy products or services from the program after the program has finished to enable the prescribed dietary habits.
• The program should not be overly difficult at any time or ask too much of you at any stage, as this will decrease your chances of success.

Alternatively, you can speak to a dietician and construct your own program that best fits your likes and lifestyle.  Often this route can lead to a more sustainable program and prevent “white-washing” your current habits and food preferences, many of which might not be problematic.

Be Aware

Be aware of programs that claim exceptional or fast results.  Fast decreases in weight typically require a high amount of effort, discomfort or both, and therefore are rarely sustainable in the long term.

Losing weight is difficult because new behaviours and patterns need to be learnt.  This takes a significant amount of time and effort, and without the right program, drop-outs are common. Furthermore, becoming disillusioned and down-hearted in one program can often result in giving-up on weight management altogether.  Pick your program carefully and get good advice wherever you need it.