Making the decision to revamp your diet and shed some pounds takes courage, dedication, time, and effort, but it’s completely possible. Choosing the right approach can mean the difference between short-term, fleeting results and lasting success.

Before embarking on any weight-loss plan, it’s wise to check in with your doctor. This is especially important if you struggle with any serious weight-related health problems. It’s also smart to surround yourself with other experts, friends, and family members who will support you. Besides boosting your confidence, they can empathize when you meet setbacks and offer fresh ideas on what might work.

What Types of Foods Will You Be Eating, and Are Any Foods “Off Limits”?

A sensible weight-loss plan will involve plenty of:

• vegetables
• fruits
• whole grains
• lean protein
• low-fat or fat-free dairy
• healthy fats
• occasional snacks

Take a look at a week’s worth of eating plans, and ask yourself, “Is this doable for me? Would I enjoy eating these foods, not just for a week or a month, but for the rest of my life?”

You should also be encouraged to drink plenty of water. Today, many experts say that you don’t necessarily need eight 8-ounce glasses a day. Instead, you should drink enough to produce urine that is pale in color. This pale color indicates a well-hydrated body.

If a plan labels a food or food group “off limits,” it will likely be too difficult to adhere to for an extended period of time. We can’t live on cabbage soup alone. It is good, however, to avoid foods that are widely accepted as being unhealthy, such as fried foods and high-fat processed meats. As soon as you resume eating those foods, the weight will come right back.

Look for a plan that allows some amount of flexibility. Hard and fast rules may lead to weight loss, but they are often the cause of post-diet weight gain. Perhaps a plan that allows you “cheat meals” or “free days” will be just the freedom needed to allow you to lose weight while still indulging in the occasional treat.