PrePlan Evaluation

We keep mentioning having a physician clear you for participation in an exercise program, and if you sign up for a personalized diet program, there are several lab tests that are requested. These include your lipid panel, fasting blood sugar, A1C, albumin, and fasting insulin level. Helpful but not required are your hemoglobin, iron level, and B12 level. Before embarking on a weight loss plan it is essential to make sure your thyroid is working normally also, although these levels won't change your plan. However, if your thyroid is underactive, it will be very hard to lose weight until this is corrected with medication.

The results of the labs above will help determine which plan is best for you medically-speaking. Do you need restriction of cholesterol or saturated fats? Are you insulin resistant and needing to limit your carbs? Do you eat enough protein? The results will help us design your custom made plan. We will then take into consideration your likes and dislikes and present to you something that will work especially for YOU.

Do not ignore the need for an evaluation by your physician before embarking on this major lifestyle change. To do it right, this information is essential. In our next post we will discuss the various food groups and the "good" and "bad" in each.

For now, happy new year and good luck achieving your goals. I remain here to help,
MommyDoc