A reduced-calorie diet may be part of a weight-management plan. The most useful question is what changes you can sustain while meeting your nutrition and health needs.
Set a goal you can review
Decide what you want to work on with your healthcare team if needed. Look at everyday measures such as consistency, energy and meal planning as well as any weight or health markers you are monitoring.
Compare plans on more than a calorie target
Look at which foods you can eat, how the plan fits your schedule and budget, and how you will handle meals outside the house. Ask how you’ll get support if the plan becomes difficult to follow.
Build in a check-in
Give yourself time to see how a change fits your routine, then review the results. If you are often hungry, tired or struggling to eat a varied diet, bring those concerns to a qualified clinician or dietitian.
For more detail, see NIDDK’s guide to choosing a weight-loss program. Also see What Is A Low Calorie Diet? for another part of this series.