Year after year, people resolve to make changes as the new year rings in. Those New Yearís resolutions involve a variety of topics, from saving more money to losing weight.According to liveabout.com, the No. 1 New Yearís resolution is to eat healthier and lose weight.With so many weight loss programs available, deciding on one can be overwhelming.According to the Mayo Clinic website, genetics play a role in determining oneís weight. And environment, lifestyle and making healthy choices still contribute a great deal to how much a person weighs. Genetics also make a difference in the type of weight-loss strategies that work best for each individual.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website provides a step-by-step guide on getting started with a weight loss program.Step 1: Make a commitment: first and foremostStep 2: Take stock physically and mentally. Consider talking to a health care provider to discuss personal weight-related risk factors; keep a†food diary; identify people or situations that might pose challenges to weight loss efforts and plan to overcome those challenges.Step 3: Set realistic goals; focus on two or three goals at a time. Effective goals are specific, realistic and forgiving.Step 4: Identify resources for information and support; find family members or friends to support weight loss goals; join a weight loss group or visit a health care professional like a registered dietitian.Step 5: Continually monitor progress; revisit the goals and evaluate regularly. Which parts of the plan are working well and which ones need tweaking? Rewrite goals, plan accordingly and remember to add in rewards for successes.In the article, ìChoosing a diet that’s right for youî from mayoclinic.org, they advised discussing weight loss plans with a doctor before starting any program. And choose a program that fits. Think about favorite foods and a wide variety of foods from major food groups; exercise preferences; the budget; and look for a program where weight loss is 0.5 to two pounds a week (this makes losing weight easier to maintain).A weight loss program that has been around for 57 years is Weight Watchers. According to its website, they believe that dieting is just one part of long-term†weight†management. A healthy body results from a healthy lifestyle, which means mental, emotional and physical health.†They offer the purchase of some food items, but most are prepared at home.Nutrisystem, founded in 1972, claims their approach combines three key features for healthy weight loss: An easy to follow program with easy-to-prep meals†delivered to oneís home, foods people love made healthier with quality ingredients and perfectly balanced plans for burning fats and a safe and healthy weight loss.Jenny Craig†has been around since 1983; they tout a diet program that provides structure and support for people who want to lose weight and keep it off. The program delivers prepackaged, low-calorie meals and offers one-on-one support from a consultant. They believe the goal is to remove the guesswork about what to eat; thus, make weight loss simple.One of the newer programs, Noom, is a wellness program designed to create a healthier life by forging better habits.Ali Deasy, account manager with Moxie Communications Group, sent an email about the psychology-based program. Started in 2008, the program strives to help people understand how the choices they make influence their health. The program is grounded in the philosophy that the ability to change exists within each individual; Noom helps them get there through data, technology and human coaching, Deasy wrote.Noom reframes the way ìNoomers” think about the actions they take, and identifies the behaviors that can help them achieve their goals in a balanced, long-term, sustainable way. Everyoneís relationship with food is complex and has been developing for better or worse throughout life; changing those habits and associations is not an overnight fix.The program is for anyone who wants to develop lasting change in their life, rather than a quick fix. It is for people who have hundreds of pounds to lose or are just looking to build a healthier routine for themselves. Noomís goal is to help Noomers overcome barriers, by becoming aware of poor habits, creating better ones and living a healthier lifestyle.
