Losing weight or even maintaining recent weight loss during the winter months can be very difficult. There are numerous holiday parties with unhealthy foods. You are drawn to comfort foods instead of traditional healthy grilled meals. It is also easier to put off weight loss goals until the new year. This year, don?t put off your weight loss goals and instead use the holiday season as your motivation to finally drop that weight.
Work with your physician before beginning any weight loss plan
It is important to consult with your physician before beginning any type of weight loss plan. It can also be helpful to get a starting weight from your physician. The physician will usually calculate your BMI or Body Mass Index. This is a number calculated from a person?s weight and height. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that might lead to health problems. A BMI is often a better indicator than weight because you never know if your weight is due to water, muscle, or actual fat.
You might choose to work with your primary physician or you might choose to begin your weight loss plan with physician weight loss programs. Physician weight loss programs are a group of physicians that focus specifically on reaching weight loss goals. A physician weight loss center is usually more experienced in both tracking and measuring weight loss.
Understand what is healthy
One of the biggest struggles in losing or maintaining weight loss is not being aware of what is actually healthy versus unhealthy to consume. For example, you might turn down an extra cookie at your work holiday party only to consume an alcoholic drink that actually contains more calories and harmful ingredients to your health. When you become a part of a physician weight loss clinic, you are exposed to this type of information. Having this knowledge can help you make better decisions this holiday season about which foods you can splurge on and which you should always avoid.
Increase your exercise routine this winter
Most people require added exercise during the winter months. In the summer, you are naturally getting exercise with walks in the park, bike rides, and even by attending summer events. In the winter, these events tend to slow down and so do people. Yet, your eating is likely to increase. Government guidelines recommend that healthy adults take part in aerobic activity in a moderate intensity for at least 150 minutes a week or vigorous intensity for 75 minutes a week. Increase your winter exercise routine to keep up with the increase in holiday foods.
Avoid rapid weight loss programs
Weight loss should be a progressive goal. Avoid participating in rapid weight loss programs, as these programs rarely work and if you do drop the weight, it is much harder to keep it off. When working with physician weight loss programs, you will find that the goal is about improvement rather than quick weight loss. Even a small weight loss (between 5 and 10% of your current weight) can help to lower your risk of developing diseases associated with obesity. Medical weight loss centers are a great way to achieve weight loss goals because of their availability to medical weight loss solutions.
As we come into the holiday season, many people will find it difficult to stick to weight loss plans. However, with the right amount of preparation and awareness, you can continue your weight loss even during these highly tempting times. Working with physician weight loss programs can be extremely effective in understanding healthy diets, increasing exercise routines during the winter, and achieving overall weight loss goals.
