“It may be tempting to focus on losing weight fast, leading many to turn to dangerous fads diets and crash diets,” said registered dietitian and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson Angela Ginn. “However, research shows that slow, healthy weight loss is more likely to last than dramatic weight changes.”
While you should consult a physician before adopting an exercise plan, primary care physicians identify nutrition experts such as registered dietitians as the most qualified providers to care for obese patients, according to a recent study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
“Forget about fad diets and work with a registered dietitian to get back to the basics with realistic and personal goals for eating smarter and moving more.”
Be realistic, be specific
“Expecting to hit the gym for 4 hours every day or to stick to a super restrictive fad diet is overwhelming for your body, mind and schedule,” Ms Ginn said. “Instead, choose smaller, healthy changes you can stick to over the long term, such as taking a walk during your lunch break or adding more fruits and vegetables to your plate each meal.”
“One large goal can seem overwhelming, so set yourself up for success with realistic goals, and divide large, vague goals into smaller, more specific goals,” she said.
For instance, rather than saying I will eat better, break this into specific goals like I will eat one more piece of fruit per day and I will choose whole grains more often.
“Goals should be challenging but also reachable,” Ms Ginn said. “Consult a registered dietitian to build a plan with goalsAir Max