Weight loss is a hotly debated topic, with as many opinions as there are people attempting to achieve it. It is not the intention here to discuss which method is the best, however there are basic principles that may be helpful to follow.

You Need Effective Weight Loss

It should be effective. If you do something, you need to know it works, otherwise why bother? Testimonials, word of mouth, case stud­ies, scientific research are all good signs. You should be careful here, though. Make sure that the research you are looking into does not have bias. Ask yourself: who is writing it (pharmacist, medical doctor etc.). What is he/she promoting? Are there any personal benefits from promoting ? How big was the study? Was it based on one rat, mixing several substances in a lab, or a big group of real human beings? Does it comply with other sources of information, all you’ve learned about the subject previ­ously, and first of all, with common sense? If somebody wants to say that the junk food is good, he/she will offer you all kinds of studies and testimonials to prove it. Do not rely on opinions, check it out.

Weight Loss Has To Be Safe

It should be safe. Some weight loss products can be very toxic, and some diets can be very harmful. How do you know it is safe? If the diet involves a formula, what are the ingredients used to create it? Study every single one of them. It is actually a good idea to have a dictionary of food additives handy, as it will help you to avoid eating unhealthy chemicals, and even more – you will realize that many things that are man-made may have side effects.

The System Should Be Balanced & Contain Real Food

A good weight loss program should first include healthy food, and second, exercise. These are two aspects of daily life that most often have to change for improvements to take effect long-term.

It should include all major types of food: carbohydrates, proteins and fats. All 3 of them are essential to good health. It is important, however, to choose healthy sources of carbs, proteins and fats in diet.

You’ll Need Support

A great program has a support system or tools that help you continue on the path of health. Additional resources, forums, meetings, follow-up consultations etc. Anything that will remind, encourage, or help you to evaluate your progress is helpful.

Get A NEW START

There are other essentials that are not directly related to restoring healthy weight, but are equally important for general health. I like to present them in an acronym New Start:

Nutrition
Exercise
Water

Sunlight
Temperance
Air
Rest
Trust in Higher Power

+ Attitude of gratitude

There Are No Magic Bullets (or Magic Pills)

It should not present a magic bullet as a solution, but focus on lifestyle changes, even though it might use some other powerful tools, like detox or supplements for support. For example, at Fresh Start Health Retreats most attendees lose some weight, but that’s really a side effect of detoxifying the body and learning to eat healthy.

The Emotional Component Needs Addressing

Any effective weight loss system will emphasize emotional health. Self-esteem and depression are frequent companions to weight issues, making it more likely to revert to unhealthy habits when the structure supporting the weight loss is removed. However, and more importantly, mental and emotional health are essential for managing stress and obstacles in daily life.

It Must Be Sustainable

It should be simple and make sense; trust your intuition and use your common sense. Ask yourself: is the process gradual, natural and realistic?

by Ania Kastashchuk B.Sc., B.Edu N.C.