May 16, 2013

When Heather Lemanski decided it was time to lose some of her 210 pounds, she knew she needed to prepare herself and start slow. “I allowed myself to eat whatever I wanted but stayed around 2,000 calories a day,” she told Health magazine in June 2008. Setting a simple but specific goal paid off; she lost three pounds in the first week. Motivated by her initial loss to stick to the plan, Heather eventually cut her calories to 1,800 a day and built up her exercise routine. After a year of hard work, she had lost 75 pounds.

It's not easy to change bad habits. Before trying a new diet or revving up your exercise, make sure to prepare yourself. Follow these three guidelines to get ready to lose:

Pay your doc a visit
Being overweight or obese can cause a variety of diseases and conditions, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Before you hit the gym or start cutting calories, have your doctor check your blood pressure and blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels. He or she will be able to ensure you are ready to start a weight-loss program and may be able to offer tips for easing into a workout regimen. If you have heart problems, a family history of  cardiovascular disease, or any joint problems, be sure to ask your doctor if there is any additional testing you may want to consider before beginning an exercise program. Also mention any medications you're taking, as some of them, including antipsychotics, may hinder your ability to lose weight.

Think like you're thin
Unfortunately, many dietsexcept for Weight Watchersdon't offer research that proves they actually work at helping people shed pounds and keep them off, according to a review published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2005. So, instead of focusing solely on weight loss, try to set goals to improve your overall health. Becoming active and eating healthier are two easy ways to start.

Remember that heredity plays a role in your body type and your weight. Comparing yourself to your rail-thin sister won't help you lose weight or improve your confidence. Using measures other than weight or clothing size (like not losing your breath when you walk up a flight of stairs) to track your progress may be more motivating. Get more ideas with our "Think-It-Off" Guide.

Set goals you can reach
Focus on small, attainable goals that will lead to long-term healthy changes. If you set hard-to-reach goals, failing to achieve them can lead to slipping back into your old habits.

Tips for setting goals:

  • Write 'em down. Start a food and exercise journal, and be sure to include a list of goals. As you achieve them, be sure to cross them off and add new ones.
  • Make your goals specific. Saying you want to "lose weight" won't keep your hand out of the cookie jar. Make a plan to lose two pounds a week or run a mile without stopping by the end of the month.
  • Plan for setbacks. When changing behavior, slip-ups are inevitable. Identify potential roadblocksa friend's dinner partyand make a plan for staying motivated when these happen.

Tips for setting activity goals:

  • Schedule physical activity. Just like you would with any other activity, block out time on your calendar to engage in some sort of exercise. Don't worry if you're busy; just break up your cardio into 10 or 15 minute segments.

Tips for setting healthy eating goals:

  • Fill up on high-density, low-calorie foods. An easy way is to fill your plate half-full of vegetables, one-quarter full of protein, and one-quarter full of carbohydrates, preferably whole grains. You'll still have a full plate of food, but you'll be filling up on veggiesnot french fries or onion rings.
  • Throw out the "don't eat" list. Instead of depriving yourself of your favorite foods, try to make lighter versions. If you love hamburgers and french fries, try to make a turkey burger and baked sweet potato wedges. It may not taste exactly the same, but you'll be getting the same flavors for fewer calories.

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