Weight loss/weight maintenance demands focus plus mental and physical energy. If you want to succeed, you need to prepare yourself. Part of that preparation is to determine whether now is the right time to start your weight loss program. The following questions will help you judge whether you’re ready to lose weight.
- Are you motivated to make long-term lifestyle changes that require eating appropriate portion sizes of healthy foods and being physically active?
- Are you free from distractions in your life that may prevent you from committing to your weight loss/weight maintenance program?
- Do you truly believe that slower is better?
- Are you realistic about your weight loss goal?
- Do you have family and friends to support your weight loss efforts?
- Do you believe that you can change your eating habits?
- Are you willing to become more physically active?
- Will you take the time to keep records of your food intake and physical activity?
- Are you willing to look at past successes and failures in weight loss and other areas of your life?
- Do you view a healthy weight program as a positive experience?
- Have you resolved any eating disorders or other emotional issues that make it difficult for you to achieve a healthy weight?
- Do you believe that a healthy weight is a lifelong commitment?
- Are you ready for a permanent change?
If you answered yes to all of these questions, you’re ready to make the lifestyle changes necessary for permanent weight loss. If you answered no to one or more questions, you may not be ready. Explore what’s holding you back and face those obstacles. In some cases it may be a simple matter of timing. In other cases, you may need to work on related issues – such as your feeling toward weight loss or your willingness to commit to permanent changes. If you’re ready for weight loss but fear you’ll become discouraged quickly, think toward the future. As you become more physically active and make dietary changes, you’ll feel better and have more energy.