Planning your diet

Ask yourself these questions about any diet plan you're considering:

• Does it include various foods from the major food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, low-fat dairy products, lean protein sources, nuts and seeds?
• Does it include foods you like and that you would enjoy eating for a lifetime — not just for several weeks or months?
• Can you easily find these food in your local grocery store?
• Will you be able to eat your favorite foods, or better yet, all foods?
• Does it fit your lifestyle and budget?
• Does it include proper amounts of nutrients and calories to help you lose weight safely and effectively?
• Is regular physical activity part of the plan?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, keep looking. There are better diet plans out there for you.