How to Assess Yourself Before Beginning a Weight Loss Plan

Before considering a weight loss plan, examine your weight history and lifestyle. This information will help you determine what changes need to be made in order to attain your weight loss goals.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Healthy Foods
• Health Magazines Or Books

1. Assess your eating habits. Do you skip meals? Eat on the run? Snack when you're not hungry?
2. Notice what triggers your tendency to overeat. Do you eat out of boredom? Was there a traumatic event in your life?
3. Consider your activity level. Do you take the elevator when you could walk? Is your TV set an unrelenting distraction in your home?
4. Make a list of risky behaviors you exhibit that can contribute to weight gain. Smoking, alcohol consumption, poor eating habits and a lack of exercise all fit the bill.
5. Recall diets that you've experienced in the past and list the best features of each one. You can incorporate these into your new weight loss plan.
6. Set realistic goals - consider your genetic background, environmental factors and metabolism.
7. Use the above to deal with the roots of your weight problem, break bad habits in your lifestyle and/or introduce good ones.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult a medical professional before beginning a weight loss plan. In addition to considering the above factors, a health care professional can incorporate information such as blood pressure and blood tests to make diet recommendations.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.