Are you ready to shape up? - Coping With Cholesterol

Are you ready to lose weight the wise way? Ask yourself these questions:

Have you thought about your present eating habits and physical activities so that you know what you might change?

You can’t change what you don’t understand. Tracking your eating and activity habits for a week will help you to pinpoint patterns that need improvement and obstacles to be overcome.

Are you willing to make permanent – not temporary – changes to your eating and physical activity patterns?

Lose weight the way you put it on, slowly, while learning strategies to keep the weight off forever! Fast weight loss means fast weight regain.

Are you thinking about losing weight because you really want to, not because someone else thinks you should?

The desire and commitment must come from you, not your family, friends or doctor. People who lose weight successfully take responsibility for their weight goals and choose how they want to achieve their weight loss.

Are you willing to increase your daily physical activities?

Weight loss that stays off is achieved when you do more daily physical activities. Therefore, for wise weight loss you need to get moving!

Are you willing to commit time and effort each week to organize and plan your food and activity choices?

Time is the important word here. Give yourself time to assess your problem areas and develop an approach that is the best for you.

If you reach a plateau in your weight loss, will you still be motivated to continue with your lifestyle changes?

A plateau in an on-going weight loss program is normal so don’t give up! Identify strategies that can help you to get over these plateau hurdles.

Will you feel successful with a small weight loss?

Many people fantasize about achieving a weight that is not realistic. A reasonable plan sets smaller, achievable weight goals to help you along the way. Meet with a dietitian to determine a reasonable goal weight to start you on your way!