A quick google search of “weight loss programs” will give you millions of pages with thousands of options.  How do you pick the best weight loss program for yourself in an endless sea of options?  Our suggestion, pick the one that is the most sustainable.  Quick fix diets, magic pills, counting points, crazy restrictions, fasting, and anything that sounds too good to be true- will more than likely set you up for failure at some point.  Why do crazy weight loss programs with a strict diet approach fail?  They are unsustainable for long term success and do not focus on changing habits or your life-style.

Find a Weight Loss Program that Appreciates all Foods

Many popular weight loss programs try and demonize a certain food group, forcing the idea that one participial food is bad and will make you fat.  Our experts feel all food groups have a place in a balanced diet which provides a balanced supply of nutrients.  Blaming weight gain on carbs, fats, or fruits and sugars alone is too narrow to be sustainable in the long term.  Any food can fit in a healthy diet if you’re eating in a healthy way, based on whole foods, plants, and lean proteins.

Choose a weight loss program that incorporates the right balance of carbs and proteins, eating smaller meals, eating every few hours a small (healthy) snack, and eating intuitively or mindfully.

Your Weight Loss Program Must be a Life-Style Change Program

If you really want to lose weight and be healthy and good to your body, you have to pick something that you’re going to be able to do over the long term.  In other words, you weight loss program must become a way of life, not just another diet you are trying out.  According to our experts, a good weight loss program requires a life change — a long-term commitment by definition. Factors such as getting your significant other involved, keeping your pantry stocked with healthy food, and feeling satisfied contribute to sustainable success.

Find a weight loss program that fits in with how you really live.  She notes that if you enjoy going out to eat but try to commit to a eating plan that disproves of  you from ever going to a restaurant, you’re just going to cheat.  Instead of choosing a program that says NO to eating at restaurants, choose a weight loss program that teaches you how to order healthy options from a menu.

Choose a Weight Loss Program that Encourages Exercise

Different weight loss programs treat exercise differently; some don’t mention it at all.  But losing weight is all about monitoring and managing intake and expenditure of calories. Our experts all agreed that exercise is a critical component to any successful life-style plan — if a weight loss program leaves it out, that’s a red flag.

The benefits of exercise are so numerous, not just for fat loss but for your overall wellness.  If a plan doesn’t include some form of exercise in it, then don’t do that one.  Our experts believe that any weight loss program that helps you plan for both eating well and fitness is more likely to lead to the results you want.  It’s all about calories in, calories out- and we’ve learned once you start eating better, you’ll find that incorporating exercise into your day is a no brainer.

Choose a Live-In Weight Loss Program if Possible

Sometimes, when it’s all said and done…You just need a re-set to get away to refocus.  Choose a fitness retreat or weight loss camp that offers the components you are seeking.  Is that structured exercise?  Healthy meals?  Stress-Management?  Then, carve out a little time in your life to participate.  We suggest getting away for at least a week to get your re-set on the right course.  When looking at a weight loss camp, look into the education they offer, the fitness they offer, the structure of the program, how large the camp is, location, and of course what their philosophy and principles are.  Will they be asking you to fast or starve?  Will the exercise be modified for you?  Will you have a chance to learn the tools you need to learn for long term success once you go home. Live in weight loss programs can be an amazing catalyst to help you get back on track and get out of the yo-yo dieting cycle once and for all.