STEP TWO

WEIGHT LOSS PREPARATION

    

    CONGRAGULATIONS!!! You have decided to become a “dieter”, a person who is aware of what (foods, liquids) they consume, why they consume them and the possible effects of their consumption.  This decision, hopefully, has encouraged you to embrace weight loss thinking as described in Step 1.  You are now ready, willing, and able to prepare for your weight loss journey.  Proper preparation for any journey is important for a positive outcome.  So, let’s prepare for a successful weight loss journey!

     

     You, as an adult, should know yourself better than anyone else.  It is you that knows your likes, dislikes, desires, dreams, temperament and so on.  With this in mind, it would be reasonable to assume that you should be in charge of your weight loss journey.   There is nothing wrong in enlisting the aid of others in attaining your weight loss goal, but you, being in charge, will empower you.  This empowerment will not only help you to attain weight loss, but maintain it.  There are numerous methods available that a dieter can choose from to aid in weight loss.  There are many weight loss programs, weight loss meal plans, and exercise programs that contribute to weight loss.  Many of these weight loss tools may benefit you, the dieter, in achieving your goal,  but the key is to be selective.  Keep “you” in mind when selecting your method of weight loss.  A weight loss program that may work wonders for a friend may not produce successful results for you.  An example of keeping “you” in mind may present itself this way;  You are encouraged to join and sign up for a gym membership to assist you in achieving your goal.  At present, you are not committed to this idea. Now remember that all your decisions that you make along this journey are not written in stone.  You may decide that walking around the park or neighborhood may suffice for now and maybe a gym membership in the future.  Using common sense along with your “weight loss thinking” will serve the dieter well along this journey.  Okay, are you ready?  Let’s keep it moving!

  

---MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROFFESSIONAL---Before beginning any weight loss program, it is advised that you get a physical check-up.  Being concerned with your health is the beginning of good health.

---SET YOUR  WEIGHT LOSS GOAL---Of course you want to lose weight, but it is important to estimate how much you need to lose.  Also, set a reasonable time limit to lose the weight you need to lose. Having these numbers in mind will allow you to keep track of your weight loss, its progress, and duration.

---SELECT YOUR METHOD OF WEIGHT LOSS---You should not choose a weight loss method on impulse.  Whether you decide to eat nutritious meals and walk around the park or enlist the aid of a weight loss program, and join a gym, you are making a serious commitment to losing weight.  Remember, your weight loss method must have “you” in mind. You, your time, energy, finances and commitment level must be considered when choosing a path to weight loss.  You, the dieter, have the power to make sensible choices that will benefit your journey.  Now that you have chosen your method of weight loss, keep your appointment with your health care provider.

---ASSEMBLE YOUR MOTIVATIONAL TEAM---Who doesn’t welcome encouragement and emotional support when needed?  Whether it’s your first or tenth attempt at weight loss, it’s encouraging to the dieter to know that they have supporters.  Even though weight loss may not be the hardest thing you may accomplish in life, it may have some challenges.  Enlist family, friends, and fellow dieters to encourage you, not only for the challenges, but also for your weight loss successes.  Remember, on some days you may be your only motivator, but you will feel truly rewarded when you reach your weight loss goal. 

     

--- PREPARE FOR SOME CHALLENGES---If you are aware that there may be some challenges during your weight loss journey, then you won’t feel defeated if they occur.  Some challenges might include: feeling hungry, moodiness, and feeling tired at the start of your weight loss journey.  Your body may go through some changes initially that may upset the way your body has become accustomed to functioning. It is important that you, the dieter, stay focused on your weight loss goal, call on your support/motivational team, and remember that you can overcome the challenge.  Start exercising your self-control and your will power will become stronger.

     

---PREPARE TO SUCCEED---If you are truly committed to achieving your weight loss goal—simply-- you will.  It will take commitment, determination, patience, hard work, self-control, and will power to travel your weight loss road successfully.  These are qualities that are within all of us if we choose to develop them.  It has been said, “You will not become unsuccessful, if you continue trying”.  Think this way and believe it. You are a dieter, you have developed your weight loss thinking, you have made your weight loss preparations, and now you are ready to begin your weight loss journey.  Take the necessary time for your weight loss preparations because they are important to the success of your journey.  After your weight loss preparations, proceed to Step 3—Dieting Successfully!!!