As you might know, energy generated from food is measured by units called calories. Everything you eat contains calories and the idea of losing weight by altering your diet can be based on calorie consumption. Dieting and regular exercise can contribute to weight loss, but one of the most certain ways to lose weight is by counting calories. If approaching weight loss with calorie counting, the general idea is to burn more calories than you consume.
Where to Begin
Before starting a new diet or exercise regimen, you should always begin by seeing a doctor. Your family doctor will perform some tests to ensure that you’re healthy and not lacking any vitamins before you begin your new plan. Most people just jump into dieting and feel tired or sick while on the diet. This could be because their bodies are not getting enough nutrients to sustain themselves during the diet.
In extreme cases, dieters have been hospitalized or injured from blacking out. If you’re in the market for health insurance, you should shop around for the best value for the price. Compare health insurance plans before you purchase, by making sure the plans include coverage for any medical procedures or prescriptions that you know you will need for your weight loss journey in the future.
Counting Calories
The amount of calories you should be eaten depends on various factors including your weight, height, and activity level. Calorie counting isn’t a new concept and there are many ways to track your caloric intake daily. There are applications that you can get for your phone that will keep track of the calories you eat by giving you a diet diary.
Diet diaries are great for keeping track of everything you eat daily. Major changes in your diet aren’t necessary at first; you should first gradually decrease your caloric intake by just eating less of the foods you love. Almost every product you buy in a grocery store has nutritional facts listed that will give you an idea of your caloric intake. Write down all of the information you know in your diet diary and use it to calculate your daily intake.
Keep Track of Your Weight Loss
It can be hard to stay motivated to lose weight. At first, your weight loss will be slight and you will only be able to see it by comparing photos and measuring yourself weekly. Pounds may not be coming off on the scale, but your body may be changing by losing inches off of your bust, waist, and thighs. You can track your weight loss progress on a digital photo storage device. Storage devices are a great way to keep track of photos and the dates that they were taken for the perfect before and after photo that you can show on your social media or keep as a personal motivator. There is no better motivator than results.
Always consult a health care provider before starting any diet or exercise regiment. Your doctor may also recommend a dietician to help you adjust to your new lifestyle choices. It can be hard to adapt your taste buds to diets. The best part of a low-calorie diet is that you can still eat everything you love like mac and cheese, you just have to keep track of how many calories you’re eating. Overindulging is a real issue for some of us and calorie counting is a surefire way to curb this issue. Document your weight journey to keep yourself motivated.
Remember that even if you don’t see results in the loss of pounds, you could be developing muscle mass. Take your journey one step at a time and you’ll be on the road to healthy, fit bodyweight in no time. A great first step is to compare health insurance plans with iSelect that will help you find professionals and care to support you in your weight loss goals.
