If a weight loss plan was one-size-fits-all, the same eating approach that helped a friend lose 15 pounds wouldn’t make your stomach expand like a balloon. Truth is – getting fit will only work if it meshes with your lifestyle. Yet with all the conflicting advice we get about health these days it’s challenging to know where to start. To sort through all the mixed messages and pinpoint a plan that works for you, read on!
If you…Exercise four times a week or are prone to heart disease: Try...A high-carb, low-fat diet. You need whole grains, fruits, and veggies to fuel your workouts; limiting saturated and trans fats will help safeguard your heart.
If you...Want to knock off pounds quickly but don’t like the gym: Try...A high-protein, low-carb diet. Cutting carbs and upping protein in your diet helps you lose weight fast and keeps you fuller longer.
If you...Need to slim down for next month’s reunion: Try...Cardio. In the short term, the Stair Master burns more calories than pumping iron, so you’ll lose weight faster.
If you...Want big, lasting weight loss or need to break a plateau: Try...Weights. Adding to your muscle mass takes time, but it will up the number of calories your body burns even when you’re not working out.
If you...Like to veg out on the couch after quitting time: Try...An early dinner. It’s better not to pile on calories when you won’t have a chance to burn them off.
If you...Are a night owl at the gym or can’t find time to eat before 7 pm: Try...Reservations for 8 pm (or later). If you haven’t filled up with a day’s worth of calories beforehand, it doesn’t matter what time you eat.
If you...Easily lose track of how many hors d’oeuvres you’ve had: Try...Dining solo. You’ll eat less when you pay attention to how much food is on your plate – and you won’t feel pressured to order dessert.
If you...Have friends who are healthy eaters or on diets of their own: Try...Social eating. You’ll be more mindful of what you eat when you have a supportive audience.
If you...Think half a cup of cereal is a laughably small serving size: Try...3 meals a day, period. Cutting out snacks is an easy way to regulate your daily calorie intake, and allows you to have larger meals.
If you...Get hunger pangs if you haven’t eaten in an hour: Try...All-day grazing. When your body thinks it’s starving, it stores calories. Doling them out in five to six small, healthy meals evens out your blood sugar and cranks metabolism.
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