What Do I Want in a Weight Loss Program?
Embarking on your weight loss journey is an important decision—and most important of all is finding a weight loss program that supports you and your goals. But what exactly are your goals, and how can you find a program that helps you become your healthiest and happiest self?
Hit “Start Quiz” to take a closer look at your personal values when it comes to your weight loss journey. By the end of the quiz, you’ll have all the tools you need to choose the perfect weight loss plan for you!
Questions Overview
- To adopt healthy long-term habits.
- To make weight loss feel more in my control.
- To improve my current health conditions.
- To live healthier without restricting my lifestyle.
- Feel accessible and easy to follow.
- Make it easy to track my progress in detail.
- Feel fun and never lonely.
- Give me the freedom to enjoy the foods I love while I lose weight.
- I want to lose weight but I’m clueless about where to start.
- I want to measure my progress in my current weight loss journey.
- I don’t have the motivation to lose weight on my own.
- I don’t want to sacrifice my current lifestyle when I’m losing weight.
- Following simple steps throughout the day.
- Keeping a weight loss journal or using an app.
- Having a friend hold me accountable.
- Incorporating the foods I like into my meals.
- I can’t make it work with my daily schedule.
- I forget to track my progress and lose momentum as a result.
- I start to feel pretty isolated and get discouraged as a result.
- I have to make too many sacrifices with eating what I like.
- I spend a simple, relaxing night in watching my favorite movies.
- I share my success on social media.
- I go out dancing with all of my closest friends.
- I treat myself to an amazing meal at my favorite restaurant.
- Remembering to record what I eat.
- Finding an effective way to track my progress.
- Feeling bored and alone in my journey.
- Giving up foods that make me happy.
- Someone wrote out all the steps for me.
- I could measure my progress easily with an app.
- I had a strong support system cheering me on.
- I didn't have to stop eating my favorite foods.
- Simplicity
- Progress
- Supportive
- Freedom
- Take it easy—you don’t have to rush.
- Keep yourself focused on the future rather than the past.
- Don’t be afraid to lean on others when times get tough.
- Celebrate the journey, not just the destination.
- “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible!’”
- “You define your own life. Don’t let other people write your script.”
- “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
- ”The secret to making progress is to get started.”
More Quizzes
Health & Wellness: A Personal Journey
From a scientific and nutritional standpoint, weight loss revolves around one core principle: burning more calories than you eat in a single day. But weight management doesn’t exist in a vacuum: tons of factors can contribute to a person’s weight loss journey, from a busy schedule to their genetics.
At the end of the day, weight loss is less about reaching a certain number and much more about being the happiest and healthiest version of yourself that you can be. But how do take that first small-but-ever-so-important step forward?
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Think about adding to your food rather than taking away from it. On your weight loss journey, it can be downright overwhelming to think about all the foods you “can’t have” anymore. Instead, focus on how you can make some of your fave foods even healthier. For instance, you might order a burger from your favorite fast food joint but enjoy it with some healthy sides, like steamed broccoli or an assortment of mixed nuts.
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Rethink your relationship with fats. As a food group/nutrient, fats have definitely gotten a bad reputation over the years. And while some fats definitely aren’t great for you (we’re looking at you, trans fat), polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats most certainly are. Try to stock up on ingredients that are rich in these healthy fats, like walnuts, avocados, flaxseeds, canola oil, and olives.
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Switch up your go-to beverages. Soda can be a tasty sweet treat on occasion, but it’s not the best for you in the long run. Stick with drinks like low-fat milk or unsweetened or lightly sweetened tea and coffee. Water, of course, is the best drink out there when it comes to hydration—but if you’re tired of sipping plain old H2O, infuse your glass or bottle with herbs and chopped-up fruit (e.g., strawberries, oranges, lemons, mint, etc.).
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Practice mindful eating habits. Mindful eating is all about being intentional about what you eat and drink throughout the day. Whether you’re sitting down for a meal or enjoying a snack, focus on engaging as many of your senses as possible as you eat and drink. Savor and appreciate each bite, and really dive into the experience of enjoying your food.
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Add exercise to your schedule in accessible ways. Dedicating at least 30 minutes to exercise each day can feel overwhelming (if not impossible) after a long day of classes or work. Instead, try incorporating exercise into your daily routine in small but meaningful ways—you might take the stairs rather than the elevator, for instance, or take a few minutes to stretch your legs and walk around at work.
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Incorporate your dog into your exercise routine. Taking your dog for a walk accomplishes 2 things: it gives your dog plenty of fresh air and mental stimulation, and it also gives you an excuse to get your blood pumping a little bit. Exercise can feel a lot more manageable when it’s naturally plugged into your schedule!
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Make your sleep schedule a top priority. All adults need at least 7 hours of shut-eye each night, while teens need 8-10 hours to feel refreshed and alert. Try sticking to a consistent bedtime and bed routine that works for you—ideally in a cool, dark, and electronic-free space where you can relax and unwind without any trouble.
- Practice gratitude each day. Practicing gratitude is all about focusing on the little things in life that bring you the most joy and meaning. Try keeping a journal where you jot down a few positive things that happen each day, like a meaningful conversation with a friend or a tasty meal you enjoyed. Appreciating the little things can be a huge boost to your daily mindset!
Want to learn more?
Ready to embark on a meaningful, long-term weight loss journey? Here are some expert-verified resources to help you add simple and healthy habits to your daily life:
- https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/eight-tips-for-healthy-eating/
- https://www.who.int/philippines/news/feature-stories/detail/20-health-tips-for-2020
- https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/7-tips-to-live-a-happier-life
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/how-to-eat-healthy-without-dieting
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/healthy-lifestyle-5-keys-to-a-longer-life-2018070514186