Thanks to poor diet choices and modern conveniences, obesity has reached an all-time high in the United States. Almost half of the adults in the United States are obese, with severe obesity numbers climbing close to 10% of adults.
And because obesity comes with life-threatening health risks, including heart disease and cancer, it’s crucial to learn how to make a weight loss plan if you fall within this category.
There’s a right and a wrong way to approach your weight loss strategy. To learn the right way, just keep reading!
Make SMART Goals
Having an overarching goal of “weight loss” is great, but to maximize your chances of success, you need to get a bit more detailed. The best goals are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-sensitive.
Now, the aspect that people most often overlook is “achievable.” If you need to lose 100 pounds, you can’t expect yourself to do it in three months. Remember that healthy weight loss means losing 1-2 pounds per week at most.
Use the 80/20 Approach
Creating a diet plan for weight loss has been made to seem impossible. But the truth is, you don’t have to be an expert to design an effective diet.
The key is calories, because the perfect meal plan for weight loss looks like this: burn more calories than you consume. That’s it. No tricks, no secrets, just calorie input and output.
The easiest way to reduce the number of calories you eat in a day is to cut back on the amount of junk food you eat and replace it with nutrient-dense options. This means fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
However, you shouldn’t deprive yourself of treats completely. This is a surefire way to fail. Insead, use the 08/20 approach. This means 80% of your calories come from healthy options, and the remaining 20% is whatever your favorite treats may be.
Mix Cardio With Strength Training
One of the best weight loss tips we can give you is to include strength training in your exercise routine. Cardio is great for burning calories and fat, it’s true. However, weight lifting can speed up your weight loss, as muscle burns more calories than fat.
Aim for 150 minutes of cardio per week, with 2-3 days of weight lifting mixed in. If you’re new to exercise, start small and build up. Some exercise is better than none at all and going too far too fast will put you at risk of injury.
For a more detailed training regimen, take a look at https://easilywellness.com/, where you can find advice on all things weight loss.
Learn How to Make a Weight Loss Plan to Change Your Life
Unfortunately, there’s no magic solution to losing weight. Though the answer to weight loss is simple, it’s hard work.
That said, now that you know how to make a weight loss plan, you have the tools you need to create successful strategies to lose weight. It will take time, but with dedication, no fitness goal is out of reach.
Looking for more tips and tricks for improving your health and fitness? Be sure to check out our blog!
