Achieving a healthy weight requires a balance of diet, exercise, and mental health. However, many people do not know how to control their appetites.
It is also important to pay attention to portion sizes. It is a good idea to use measuring cups and spoons to help people understand how much they should be eating.
Physical activity
Physical activity is an important part of any weight control program. Performing at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week helps burn excess calories that are stored as fat. This can include structured activities such as running or aerobic dancing, or daily tasks such as walking or household chores. The key is to find a combination of both structured and daily activities that fit into your schedule. Regular exercise also improves mood and sense of well-being.
Nutritional counseling
Nutritional counseling can help you make permanent changes to your diet and lifestyle. It can also improve your energy levels and help you form a healthier relationship with food. In addition, nutritional counseling can help you gain control over illnesses that may be exacerbated by poor diet choices.
In nutritional counseling, a counselor assesses the individual’s dietary needs. They then identify realistic goals based on the person’s health needs and lifestyle. The counselor and the individual work together to find ways to achieve those goals.
In some cases, the nutritionist will provide a detailed meal plan for the individual. The meals are based on the individual’s medical and health needs, food preparation abilities, cultural and family eating habits, and personal preferences. The individual is encouraged to bring family members or friends to nutritional counseling sessions to build a support system. This can be particularly helpful when trying to change a long-held behavior. The nutritionist can also refer the client to a registered dietician for additional guidance.
Psychological counseling
Psychologists specialize in helping people change negative behavior and beliefs that may sabotage their weight loss efforts. They often work with patients individually in private practice, but also as part of a health care team.
Psychological treatment plans vary, but they usually involve teaching self-monitoring behaviors, changing old beliefs, and building new coping skills. They also help people identify emotional triggers that lead to overeating and develop strategies to manage them.
Many people find it hard to talk about their emotions, so a nonjudgmental psychologist or therapist is important for starting the conversation. They can provide a safe place to discuss personal struggles, such as depression, stress, or underlying eating disorders.
A therapist can teach you how to track your food intake by writing it in a daily log. This can give you and your therapist an accurate picture of what you eat, when, where, why, and how much. It can also help you find healthier substitution behaviors.