Now is the time to start thinking about the best ways to kick-start weight loss. Why? Because summer will be here before you know it.
But if you’re hoping to shed some weight this year, it’s important to have a sound plan in place to achieve your desired results. 
Everyone who wants to lose weight wants to do it quickly, but that’s not always the healthiest way to go about it. So, let’s take a look at what the experts say are some of the best ways to kick-start weight loss.
Talk to Your Doctor About Weight Loss
The best way to start any weight loss plan is to talk to your doctor, first. Your doctor will be there to help you. Your doctor knows you and your health best.
Your doctor will work with you to develop a plan that will produce effective, safe and sustainable weight loss.
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, even losing 5% to 10% of your body weight can have positive effects on your health, including 
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol
- Lower blood sugar levels
For instance, if you weigh 200 pounds and lose 5% of that weight, you will weigh 190 pounds. So, a strategy that allows you to lose weight gradually is best. And at the same time, your doctor can recommend any preventive screening measures you can take advantage of.
Kick-Start Weight Loss by Changing Your Diet
One thing your doctor won’t recommend is a fad diet. But you can make some changes that will kick-start your weight loss plan.
Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet is always a great place to start, but if you want a diet that’s a little more detailed, here are three popular options.
Following the Mediterranean Diet will allow you to get more fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains onto your plate, as well as fewer processed foods.
The DASH Diet is an acronym for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It adds fruits and vegetables, of course, but also includes fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts and vegetable oils.
The Healthy Eating Plate is color-coded and emphasizes adding more dark, leafy greens, oranges, tomatoes and even fresh herbs loaded with vitamins, fiber and minerals to your diet. It’s easy to follow because the more colorful your plate, the healthier your food will be.
Start an Exercise Plan to Lose Weight
Again, this is something that you should talk over with your doctor, first. But adding physical activity to your daily routine is a great way to kick-start your weight loss.
Even walking 15-30 minutes per day provides many benefits. In addition to strengthening your muscles, burning all of those calories will help you get the weight off and keep it off.
The Support You Need to Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is critical because being overweight or obese can lead to many serious health problems. That’s why it’s also essential to have a strong support group around you as you begin your quest to lose weight.
At Liberty HealthShare, we surround ourselves with like-minded Christian people, who share each other’s struggles. This includes paying for medical expenses.
Liberty HealthShare is not insurance, but an alternative way to pay your healthcare costs. If you’re interested in learning more about our programs, feel free to contact us at any time.
