We already know that the media portrays things in a manner that is misleading to the general public – including nutrition. You see tons of posts that show “perfect bodies” and “quick results” because they are luring you in as a customer.

 

They want to sell you their supplements, their program, videos, containers, juices, etc. While there is nothing wrong with individuals creating a business for themselves in an effort to also help people achieve their goals, you need to ask, is this good for ME? How can you tell the difference between a health-focused program and a get fit quick scheme? Here are a few things to avoid (unless medically prescribed) in a nutrition program:

• If a program is promising more than 15+ pounds of weight loss in a month
• No changes to diet or exercise are necessary
• Excluding whole food groups
• Starving yourself
• Replacing the majority of your food with supplements or drinks
• Weight loss with limiting water intake

 

When choosing a nutrition plan, you should look for something that promotes overall health through slow progress. Programs that claim more than 1-2 pounds of weight loss per week put you at risk of losing muscle not fat. It is also not realistic to become more healthy without making changes to your nutrition and/or exercise habits. You are more successful when you pair working out with a change in nutrition, not to mention there are so many other benefits to working out. So what do you look for when choosing a program?

1. Accountability 
2. Slow and simple steps with a safe progression 
3. Incorporating better habits into your current lifestyle 
4.  A program that is paired with or encourages exercise 

 

Don’t get caught up in doing a program that isn’t meant to last or that encourages weight loss at any cost to your overall health.  Before starting, ask yourself “Will this program teach me how to get the weight off and keep it off without causing harm to my body?”