What Makes a Good Weight Loss Program?

Weight loss programs are a dime a dozen!

When I started Living Well Nutrition years ago, I decided not to offer weight loss solutions. I started to rethink that decision when I noticed just how bad some weight loss programs are. Some programs were not healthy at all, and some programs seemed designed to create repeat customers. That is just wrong–a rather nefarious approach, IMHO.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t good, healthy weight loss programs out there—there are! You just need to be aware of what to look for and what to avoid. Keep in mind that not all programs are created equal and some (like mine!) are far above the rest.

So, grab a cup of tea and let’s have a little girlfriend chat about what you should look for in a reputable weight loss program.

1. 1. 1. 1. Education: A good, healthy weight loss program isn’t going to just give you packaged foods to eat or even just a list of “allowed” foods. A good program is going to teach you how to eat so that you can continue your weight loss success long after leaving the program.
2. Unique to You Meal Plans: you want, and need, a program that is designed just for you. It should take into account your current state of health, your diagnoses, your age, your likes and dislikes, your cultural wishes, and your food allergies. You are not a “one-size-fits-all” kind of a gal, and your diet plan shouldn’t be either.
3. Supplements: Some programs want to send you out the door with bottles of pills, but do YOU need those?  If everyone on the program is sold the same supplement protocol, that’s a red flag. You need a professional that is considering your unique needs.

Now to every rule (even mine!) there is always an exception, and there is one here: everyone should take a good quality multi-vitamin. I recommend Designs for Health Complete Multi. It is a top-quality product that you can buy from my online nutraceutical store.

4. Encourages movement: Diet far exceeds exercise when it comes to initial weight loss, but the opposite is true when it comes to maintenance. To keep the weight off, you need to be enjoying movement on a regular basis. Keep in mind that for some people “movement” may be a gentle walk around the block, for others it will be a hike in the mountains, or a vigorous bike ride. Your exercise needs and abilities may be different from everyone else—and that’s okay.

In the beginning, depending on your unique situation, it may actually be counterproductive to begin an exercise program. A well-trained professional knows when it is time to start and help you develop a program that suits your body, your lifestyle and gives you enough variety for physical health and prevent boredom!

5. Maintenance: A comprehensive, healthy weight loss program is going to walk with you to ensure you are ready to maintain your weight long-term with the knowledge to make health supporting decisions.
6. Flexibility: A good program is going to take into account special events and coach you in how to navigate them while fully enjoying them. After all, life happens while you are on your weight loss journey, and it continues afterward.

To keep weight off permanently, it is crucial that you learn how to handle fun events like birthday parties, weddings, and neighborhood barbecues. It is equally important to have the skills to handle stressful and painful situations without stuffing our feelings down.

7. Nutrients: Make sure the weight loss program you choose provides all the nutrients you need to support health. There are some crazy diets available that leave out key nutrients like fiber!  Eek!
8. You: You should be the center of the program you choose.You are the one who has to follow the program. Make sure the support and motivation structure works for you. Realistically, you might not be thrilled with it 100% because you WILL be making changes, and change can be tough. That being said, the right program will support you and encourage you and help you stay motivated.

As a nutritionist I love helping people succeed with their healthy weight loss goals. I also recognized that by joining forces with other health care professionals, we could create an even better weight loss program. And so I have put in place the very best team of medial professionals dedicated to helping you achieve your health and wellness goals.

At Living Well Nutrition our weight loss program meets all the criteria above, and more…

We know that weight loss is more than food in versus calories spent. Our team of medical professionals specifically address food addictions, behavioral addictions, and stress eating with acupuncture and the use of cutting-edge technology.

We also know that some people have food sensitivities, and there are things like high toxic burden from pesticides and heavy metals that make weight loss difficult. And, we can screen for those and help you with a protocol to remove them.

The best thing about our approach to weight loss is our compassion. We meet you where you are and walk with you to reach your goals. Give us a call today at 970-685-8531 to find out if we are the right program for you.