Starting your Weight Loss Plan

A weight loss plan is a structured program which addresses your weight loss or health goals and develops a complete plan which includes dietary, educational, and exercise planning to enable whole health and allow you to lose weight.  A written plan which lists your objective - the weight you wish to loose, the time period you have set, and finally the daily milestones you cross on your plan. It is important to maintain a written plan or participate in a structured online weight loss plan as this helps you stay focused and helps you continue to try harder to achieve your set targets.

Your weight loss plan should include a balanced diet with sufficient grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, meat, etc. When going shopping go with a full stomach, have a shopping list ready and stick to it.  

To start your weight loss plan note down your calorie intake over a seven-day period. This will place a realistic picture for you and help you analyze where you need to cut. Now that you know your actual consumption, estimate your calorie need. Once you know the difference in intake, estimate the need to reduce. Start with reducing 500 calories per day. The minimum calorie intake that you should take is 1,200 calories for women and 1,600 calories for men.

The next step is to include an exercise plan in your weight loss plan. The kind of activity you include in your plan will contribute to calorie consumption by the body leading to weight loss. Start slowly and then increase pace. Try to include a 20 to 30 minute vigorous exercise in your plan.

Keep a regular record of your weight. This too helps as a motivator to achieve the next target. Also, record any changes in activity. All this information will help you keep focused and achieve results.

For best results, I recommend you participate in a well structured online diet plan, preferably one that pays particular attention to customizing an approach for your particular goals and lifestyle - such as eDiets or the Eating for Life diet program.