In this day and age, information about weight and health is plastered across magazine covers, internet ads, television commercials and even grocery stores. When you’re not sure how to accomplish your specific goals, these tidbits of information can seem enticing. But are they really reliable?
Finding Reliable Help for Weight Management Doesn’t Have to be Hard.
One common misconception about seeking professional help for struggles with weight is that there’s not a lot of quality advice to choose from. Today’s propaganda-like culture throws around false claims and statistics like confetti – leaving you to choose from the pieces and sift through the mess.
But what if you’re not looking in the right places? Yes, those online articles that promise a 5-pound weight-loss in one week can seem ideal, but are they realistic? Are they even healthy?
The key is to focus on health. When you think of finding information and support for your health, where does your mind naturally wander? The answer to that question is the key to this post.
Finding Reliable Information to Guide You on Your Journey
Let’s take a look at some of the smarter, more accessible options available to you:
Your Doctor Wants to Help
Talking about weight with a doctor can be tough, but guess what? Doctors want to have the conversation, and they want to see you through your health transformation.
Your primary care physician or specialty doctor can personalize your weight management journey by providing reliable information about your own body — including your weight, BMI and vitals such as blood pressure and cholesterol.
This science-based advice is unique to you, and if you establish a healthy relationship with your doctor, you may be surprised at how much you’ll learn and discover along the way!
Consider a Dietitian
Finding and sticking to the right meal plan can seem like one of the hardest parts of weight management. Food habits are naturally ingrained in us, most likely from our environment and the way we’ve been taught.
Not sure what foods to eat, how much or how often? A registered dietitian can give you excellent advice and help you track your food habits over time. That way, you’ll know where to improve and what strategies to hold onto.
Could a registered dietitian be right for you? CLICK HERE to find out.
Find Help for Your Mind, Too
Weight management isn’t all about calories consumed and calories burned. Your mentality plays a crucial role in your success, and we’d be lying if we said this journey is an easy one.
Need a helping hand to get you through the tough parts? Someone to help motivate and guide you in a positive direction? Consider a mental health counselor or therapist who can help you address your psychological and emotional needs.
The Media isn’t Always a Bad Source
Yes — this is where most false claims and poor advice are present, but it isn’t all bad. Many news articles, Web sites and journals offer fact-based information on everything ranging from food and fitness to psychology, physiology and inspiration.
Before taking advice from one of these places, always be sure to do your research. Find out what other people just like you are saying about these products, strategies and information.
Remember: you aren’t always alone on your weight management journey. Just be smart about where you choose to look for help!
