-
Step 1
How much weight do you want to lose?
If it's just a few pounds for your best friend's wedding next month, or you've got more weight to lose but no time limit, you'll want to look at the 'potential' weight loss each program provides. Remember that the 'potential' is only that - and it's usually not that easy to achieve! -
Step 2
How much will you be able to change your eating habits?
Are you single, married with children? Do you eat out often, or have a lot of work functions to attend? The flexibility of the program you are looking at will influence your ability to stick to it. -
Step 3
How much exercise can you do?
Most weight loss programs recommend some exercise. You need to assess the time you have available for exercise, and look realistically at what fits into your daily routine. There's no point joining a gym if you can never get there! -
Step 4
What can you afford?
Do you want to become a monthly paying member, or would you prefer a once-off fee? And watch out for diets that include exotic, difficult to find ingredients - they usually cost more too! -
Step 5
Are your goals realistic?
There is nothing as demoralising as consistently NOT achieving your goals. It's not going to be easy, and it may take longer than you would like or expect, but you're not going to lose 20 pounds in 2 days - not without hospitalisation, anyway.
