You can run, but you can’t hide from the onslaught of weight loss marketing campaigns. You see them on TV (even on the cooking channel!), you hear them on the radio, and they even pop up in our Facebook and Instagram feeds!
The truth is that a great segment of the North American population is unfortunately overweight. This affects our health, our self-esteem, and our relationships in a negative way. That’s exactly what all those ads are reminding us of, whether or not we want to hear it.
However, before you fall for the first marketing campaign that hits you, remember that in most cases, the main motivation behind these companies is to make money! So before you stock your weight-loss arsenal with detox teas, belly wraps, and a ton of supplements, reflect on what you actually need to attain your goals.
Though there are some items of dubious effectiveness, there are others which happen to be essentials to really getting to a place you want to be within the timeframe you imagined. All that, and with your health and wallet intact.
- A Nutrition Plan
There’s no way around it, in order to lose weight, you need to change your diet. The best place to start is in a medical professional’s office, whether that’s your family doctor, a holistic wellness specialist, nutritionist, or dietician. Based on your current diet and your state of health, they will be able to put together anything from loose recommendations to a very specific meal plan for you to follow. Though the quality of the plan itself is very important, it’s even more important that you follow it as closely as possible to see results.
- A Healthy Grocery Haul
As soon as you start changing your lifestyle, there’s one very important shopping trip you will need to do: the initial grocery haul. Before you go, throw out or give away all the food that has been blacklisted: simple carbs, salty junk food, canned meals, sugary treats, etc. If you don’t have it at home, there’s a much lesser chance that you will be tempted and end up eating something you shouldn’t. Then pack your reusable shopping bags and hit the store, buying fresh, nutritious items that you will need to make your new eating habits come to life.
- A Tracker
We’re not saying you have to go out and get the newest FitBit, but it’s important to track progress throughout your journey. Everyone has their own favorite way of doing it, depending on their specific goals, but regular weigh-ins, measurement taking, and picture snapping are popular options. Obviously, there is also a plethora of tech-y options from mobile applications to upscale pedometers, but remember that they are not essential to your losing weight. Track your progress as you like at regular intervals, whether weekly, biweekly, or monthly, and it will keep your motivation up!
- Protein
Many weight-loss diets are focused around getting your protein level up while decreasing your intake of carbs, sugars, and bad fats. Since cooking high-protein meals can get expensive and laborious, the market has evolved to offer a range of protein powders and supplements to mix into your meals or drink as shakes. As calorie-restricted diets can often limit your nutritional needs, many professionals will recommend using protein products and nutritional supplements to assist you in your weight loss program. Just remember to look at the quality of the products you are buying so that you are getting the best value for your money.
Losing weight can be a very important and significant accomplishments in our lives. It teaches us about determination, health, and discipline while putting us on a journey of a lifetime!
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