Choosing the best diet plan for you is no easy task. In fact, many people are so overwhelmed by which diet is right for them, they give up exploring their options too early. Others may opt for the diet plan that guarantees the ‘fastest’ results without doing enough research.
Our bariatric surgeons at OakBend Medical Group understand how difficult it can be to make dietary choices, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. Not only can Christopher Reilly, MD, FACS, Steven M. Thomas, MD, FACS, and Genna Lubrano, MD, provide insight into your options for weight loss surgery, but they can also evaluate your current diet and recommend what changes you can make.
While it’s best to speak with our team or your primary care provider about your nutritional needs before starting a new diet, there are some guidelines you can follow on your path to eating well.
Here are four tips to help you choose a better diet:
A new diet is a big commitment if you want to see results. If you pick just any diet without considering what you like and don’t like, chances are good that you won’t follow through in the long-term.
For instance, if you opt for a mostly plant-based diet but typically eat meat, you may not be successful in sticking to the new diet for very long.
When exploring healthier eating options, make sure the diet includes a nice balance of foods you already like to eat, along with new foods or recipes you’re willing to try.
Healthier eating doesn’t have to bust your budget. Be careful of name brand diet plans being marketed to consumers that involve expensive prepackaged meals and supplements.
Remember that you can craft a healthy diet simply by incorporating more fresh produce that you get at your local grocery store.
If you choose a plan designed by a weight loss company, make sure it’s within your budget and actually contains healthy food options.
If you’ve tried dieting in the past, take some time to consider what worked and what didn’t. It’s important to remember that your diet isn’t the only component of a successful weight loss or weight maintenance plan.
In addition to eating better, you also need to exercise regularly, follow a healthy sleep schedule, and keep your stress levels low. Commit to making those types of life changes in addition to making better food choices.
For some people, underlying medical issues like hormone imbalances and thyroid disorders can contribute to difficulties losing weight. Your age may also play a role in your weight loss struggles.
Before starting a new diet, meet with your family doctor to learn as much as you can about your health. Our bariatric surgeons can also evaluate your overall health if you’re interested in gastric bypass, gastric balloon, or Lap-Band® surgery for weight loss.
Based on blood work and other health screenings, you can learn what foods work best with your body type, your current health, and your wellness goals.
Schedule a consultation at OakBend Medical Group by phone today to learn how we can help you reach a healthy body weight with bariatric surgery. You can also book an appointment online.
