One in every three Americans is fighting the weight-loss battle. While some people are successful at losing excess weight, most do not succeed at keeping weight off. Losing weight and eating more healthfully requires a commitment to permanent lifestyle changes.

        Answer the following questions yes or no:

        • I accept that I need to make permanent changes in my eating and activity plans.

        • I accept that it is best to lose weight slowly.

        • I am ready to commit time and effort to organizing and planning my food and activity.

        • I choose to lose weight now because I want to, not to please someone else.

        To make sure your weight management plan is safe and effective, the American Dietetic Association recommends you ask yourself the following questions. Does your plan:

        • Include a variety of foods from all five major groups in the Food Guide Pyramid?

        • Include appealing foods from all five major groups?

        • Include foods available at the supermarket where you usually shop?

        • Allow you to eat your favorite foods in moderation?

        • Recommend changes in your eating habits that also fit your lifestyle and budget?

        • Include at least the minimum number of servings from the Food Guide Pyramid?

        • Include regular physical activity?

        If you can answer yes to all these questions, you have chosen a weight-loss plan that will allow you to achieve long-term success.

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