Looking at a weight loss plan? Look for the three S'

Three things to ask yourself when you’re looking at a weight loss plan are:

Is it sane?
Is it safe?
Is it sustainable?

If a plan is ‘sane’, we know you’re not going to be told to go on an all-pea plan, or a plan which is going to make your body ill. If it’s not something you can stick to, and only allows for one type of food group or excludes one or more healthy food groups, be wary. Many plans such as these are fads, but very few people can emulate the success of a plan which is so restrictive. Also, plans which promise absolute success minus exercise are examples of plans to steer clear from.

If a plan is ‘safe’, we know you’re not going to follow a plan which allows for too-few calories by rote. Because the body has specific metabolic needs to function, and because people known to follow fad or crash diet plans have suffered from feelings of weakness, dizziness, hair loss, change in skin color or other physiological changes, it is important to put a weight loss plan to a pragmatic litmus test in order to ensure the plan is not only right for you, but will not harm your body in the process. No plan should promise a loss of more than 2-3 pounds per week. If it does make those claims, run away. If you wouldn’t allow your teenaged daughter or son follow this plan, walk away.

If a plan is ‘sustainable’, we know that there is not only a way to keep the weight off, but that the plan is one which can be followed for life for true long-term success. If the plan promises quick weight loss, but fails to provide proof of long-term maintenance, through real success stories, evidence and a maintenance plan which is truly a maintenance plan, it’s just a quick weight loss promise without the muster to keep a person going. Most people who follow plans such as these not only don’t maintain, but they tend to gain the weight back, plus.

While promises of quick weight loss are prevalent in society, and no shortage of people wanting to drop weight, it’s certain that there will be more plans out there to be scrutinized. Because it takes time for governmental agencies to examine claims made by such plans, it is important that as a consumer you take the time and do the research. Ask those very important questions.