5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Trying to Lose Weight

If you’re thinking about trying to lose weight, you’re far from alone. According to CDC statistics published in 2020, as many as 17 percent of US adults report following a special bodyweight loss diet on any given day. Data from 2018 showed that 49 percent of US adults had attempted to lower their bodyweight in the past year.

Trying to Lose Weight the Healthy and Effective Way

Everyone has different motivations, goals and strategies for reaching them. If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important to make sure you’re keeping yourself on a healthy track and that you’re focusing on the long-term. Sustainability is your goal, not just reaching a short-term targe.

When it all comes down to it, what is healthy is unique for everyone. What is best for you might not be the same as what friends or even other members of your family are doing. The key is to keep focused on what is allowing you to embrace your body, honor your mind, and nourishing both your physical and mental health.

How to Take on a Healthy Strategy in an Imperfect World

It’s all well and good to say that you want to use a strategy that supports your healthy body and mind, but in a busy, judgmental world in which everyone has their own unique needs, expectations, lifestyles and preferences, this can certainly seem easier said than done.

As you begin with trying to lose weight in a healthy way, ask yourself the following questions to understand your starting point and keep yourself on the right track.

1. What do I want to achieve with this effort?
2. Are my goals realistic for my body type and size?
3. What is my definition of health and am I headed toward them by trying to lose weight using my chosen strategy?
4. Will your chosen strategy maintain or even improve your relationship with food, or does it involve shame, guilt, and bans?
5. Have you asked a doctor or other licensed healthcare professional about advice for setting your goals and achieving them?

Trying to Lose Weight Long-Term

When it all comes down to it, your goal should be something that will align with advice your doctor would provide. It should provide you with the opportunity to focus on nutritious meals and snacks without feeling bad about yourself if you indulge in your favorite dessert – especially on special occasions – or break into those awful-for-you-but-so-delicious snacks on an occasional movie night.

These questions are very important to ask yourself as you start trying to lose weight. That said, take the time to answer them again as you continue along your journey to be sure you’re remaining on a path toward a place you want to be.