Choosing the Correct Weight Loss Plan

(Article first published as Choosing the Best Permanent Weight Loss Diet on Technorati.)

Many people proclaim to have the best diet or lifestyle plan to achieve permanent weight loss, yet nearly 95% of those who begin a new dietary program fail to hit their goal or keep the weight off for good. To a large extent genetics are to blame, as the basic survival mechanism which has allowed us to thrive for generations is also to blame for our weight loss failures.

Drink Water Before Each Meal

Research now confirms that one of the simplest methods for healthy weight loss may offer hope to the millions who struggle with their weight, and is simple and inexpensive. Research presented to the American Chemical Society shows that drinking 2 cups of water right before each meal is enough to help dieters lose an additional 5 pounds over a 90 day period.

Information from this study concludes that the water is enough to fill the stomach before eating so you feel full and don’t over eat. Experts advise everyone to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water each day, as this supports healthy liver function and is essential for proper fat metabolism.

Drink More Water, Less Diet Drinks

Another benefit from drinking water before each meal is that it helps eliminate the temptation to drink sweetened beverages or diet drinks which are known to sabotage weight loss efforts. Water before meals is a great way to stimulate weight loss with minimal effort, but in order to achieve permanent results, you need to make the correct choice between quick weight loss plans and a sustainable fat burning program.

Quick Weight Loss Plan

There are certain circumstances when you may need to resort to a quick weight loss plan. Nutritional experts warn that rapid weight loss is not the way to drop those extra pounds as they typically involve diet pills or meals which are nutritionally imbalanced and exclude important food groups.

People look to rapid weight loss programs so they can look good for a special event or to fit into a favorite bathing suit. While these may be good reasons to begin your weight loss journey, it’s important to avoid commercially marketed fat burning pills and synthetic metabolism boosters. Some may deliver quick results, but the weight loss cannot be sustained and these artificial supplements will damage your health in the long term.

Permanent Weight Loss Program

A fat burning weight loss plan is the only method which will deliver healthy weight reduction. Quick weight loss schemes help you to lose water and muscle mass, neither of which leads to sustainable weight reduction for life. The best way to drop weight and burn fat is to follow a sensible, reduced calorie diet and compliment with regular physical activity.

Plan to lose between 1 and 2 pounds each week. If you find yourself losing more weight, then increase your calories, as weight lost too quickly is a sign that you’re wasting precious muscle tissue and not actually burning body fat. Men need 1800 calories per day, while women should plan for 1500 calories. Ensure that your menu is well balanced, including healthy options from all food groups and concentrated with plenty of fresh leafy greens and vegetables.

The most common weight loss mistake is losing weight too rapidly. Once you’ve made the decision to begin a new weight loss lifestyle, weight yourself twice each week and keep a chart of your progress, making sure that you don’t drop too fast. Stay away from damaging diet pills and fad diets, in favor of healthy meal options. You’ll enjoy the health benefits of a well planned, steady weight reduction program leading to permanent and sustainable weight loss for life.