Best Diet Plans of 2008: How the SparkPeople Diet Worked for Me
In 2008 I managed to lose 20 lbs (and counting!) using SparkPeople.com's diet plan and exercise regimen. I combined themy calorie counting with walking at least 3-4 times per week (everyday when I can) and the pounds began to drop. To help with those frustrating weeks when the pounds stayed put, I also began measuring myself once a week and watched the inches shrink even when the pounds didn't! Since I know that calories average out over a week rather than strictly daily, if I went over my calories, I knew how much I needed to be under for the rest of the week to make it up. SP made it easy.
SparkPeople is so very, very versatile. I can get as much help or as little as I feel I want or need. If all I want is an easy way to keep track of calories, SP has that covered. If I want suggested menus and grocery lists, SP has that, too. They can recommend exercises (what and how often) and also help I monitor my specific goals. The forums allows me to talk to fellow dieters and gets hints for how to handle cravings and even recipe suggestions. If I'm concerned about my vitamin or sodium consumption, those can be monitored as well. The very best part is it's all FREE!
There is also a reward system of sorts. I get points for signing in each day and for each food I keep track of, as well as my water intake. Each time I reach a certain number of points, I am rewarded with a new icon next to my name, showing that I've stuck with it for x number of points.
SparkPeople is so very, very versatile. I can get as much help or as little as I feel I want or need. If all I want is an easy way to keep track of calories, SP has that covered. If I want suggested menus and grocery lists, SP has that, too. They can recommend exercises (what and how often) and also help I monitor my specific goals. The forums allows me to talk to fellow dieters and gets hints for how to handle cravings and even recipe suggestions. If I'm concerned about my vitamin or sodium consumption, those can be monitored as well. The very best part is it's all FREE!
There is also a reward system of sorts. I get points for signing in each day and for each food I keep track of, as well as my water intake. Each time I reach a certain number of points, I am rewarded with a new icon next to my name, showing that I've stuck with it for x number of points.
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