Let’s begin with that first question:

Which aspects of previous diets have worked well for you?

If you have attempted to lose weight before, what sort of plan(s) did you use and how did it go? Which strategies seemed to work particularly well for you? Everyone is different. While some flourish with a bit of structure, rigid meal plans send others pint-diving.  Take a moment and jot down what kept you motivated and gave you the results you were looking for. Examples might include regular meals, flexible or highly structured meal plans, food journaling, weekly weigh-ins, accountability, support groups, recipe ideas, filling meals, enlisting a buddy, and more. 

As you begin (or continue!) your weight loss journey, find ways to incorporate this list into whatever eating plan you choose. Doing so allows you to create a diet that is tailored to your life and your needs…a weight loss plan that is perfect for you.