How to Pick a Diet That Works for You

There are more weight-loss diets out on the market than ever before, and if you’re trying to narrow down the possibilities, you may quickly find yourself feeling overwhelmed and confused. Before you give up and grab the first diet book on the shelf, ask yourself these questions to increase your chances of succeeding.

Can I make a sudden, drastic change? If you love meat, jumping into a strict vegetarian diet may be too much for you to realistically commit to. And if you’re a serious snacker, a diet that restricts you to three meals a day may be setting you up for failure. Instead, start with a diet that fits the way you already eat and make gradual changes from there.

Do I need variety, or can I handle limited options? Even the best of diets tend to repeat themselves, but some of the more trendy diets may focus on a limited set of ingredients or dishes. Will boredom tempt you to cheat, or will a strict regimen keep you focused? If you’re the kind of person who can, say, eat the same brand of cereal every day for weeks on end, then you may do well with fewer choices. But if you like to order a different menu item every time you go out to eat, you’re better off with the most varied diet you can find.

Do I really have time to cook? While many diets make accommodations for busy lifestyles, most require that some time be devoted to preparing your own food. If you barely find the time to get to the grocery store, or if your pots and pans are collecting dust, it’s best to seek out a diet that’s heavy on convenience foods and pre-packaged meals.

How fast do I want to lose the weight? The fewer calories you consume, the more likely you are to lose more weight in a shorter period of time. Adding a rigorous fitness plan to the mix will speed up your efforts, so it may be best to look for a diet that includes a meal plan and a fitness routine designed to work together.

IH regularly profiles diet options so you can find the best one that works for you.