Choosing a Diet and Exercise Program

• 1). Look for a diet plan that emphasizes long-term solutions to health, rather than only short-term weight loss. You don't want to sacrifice your long-term health for the sake of losing a few pounds extra quickly. You can recognize books like this in part by their titles. For example, "The Miracle Five-Day 20-Pound Burn" does not sound like a diet that emphasizes long-term health.
  
  
• 2). Look for a diet plan that emphasizes healthy foods to eat, rather than simply telling you what you can't eat. You probably won't get very far if all your favorite foods are cut out and you have nothing good to replace them.
  
  
• 3). Search for an exercise program of the kind that you enjoy. Not every exercise program is just running and weight-lifting; there are many enjoyable activities, such as swimming, tennis, yoga and martial arts that can provide you with excellent exercise.
  
  
• 4). Consult with a nutritionist before deciding on a diet to make sure that the diet is sensible and will be good for you. Consult a doctor about your exercise program.
  
  

Starting the Program

• 1). Keep a food journal for at least a week before you begin your diet. Also record indicators of your general health, like weight, energy levels, alertness, sleep and even bowel movements. You can look back on this information and compare it to your health after you've been on the diet for some time.
  
  
• 2). Read any books associated with your program completely and be sure that this is the program you want. Set a goal for the date you want to begin your program and write it on your calendar.
  
  
• 3). Tell your friends and family about your plans to change your life. This will create a support group that will make it easier for you to succeed with your plan.
  
  
• 4). Get rid of any foods prohibited by the diet plan and stock up on foods that you will be eating a lot of. Do this before the day your diet will begin. Also acquire any equipment or memberships you may need for your exercise program.
  
  
• 5). Eat frequent, filling meals with foods that you enjoy. The more delicious foods you can find that are in harmony with your diet plan, the more likely you will be to stay on it.
  
  
• 6). Keep a daily food journal. As before, record what you eat and how you feel. Observing positive changes in your body will keep you motivated to continue your healthy lifestyle. On the other hand, if the program you are on is not beneficial to your health, you will be able to observe it.