Studies by the University of Texas Division of Nutritional Sciences show that knowledge is power when it comes to weight loss. When surveying overweight mothers, researchers found that participants with greater knowledge of weight loss lost more weight than those that were less cognizant of diet, weight loss and health information. So how does your health knowledge weigh in? If you’re trying to lose weight, get informed. Thankfully there are free diet meal plans that can help you.

Informative Resources for the Dieter

The first step to getting a free diet meal plan? Get informed. Here are some ways that you can learn about diet meal plans:

• Informational websites: Websites like WebMD, SparkPeople.com, and even governmental websites, like the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website are loaded with articles and information.
• Research studies: Studies published by doctors and universities are readily available via the web. For example, Cornell University’s Food and Brand Lab lays out their studies in entertaining graphics, videos, and easy-to-read summaries. You can also find studies published in health books at your local library, if you’re looking to get information on a specific topic.
• Medical or nutritional professional: If you’re really trying to lose weight, you might want to get in touch with your doctor, nutritionist, or trainer (or even all three) to get informed. All three of these medical professionals, and even different professionals within the health field, will give you unique data, feedback, and advice that reflects their expertise. When you are deciding on a trainer or nutritionist in particular, don’t settle. Find a professional that’s knowledgeable in their field so that you can be more informed when making your diet meal plan.
• Books published by doctors, nutritionists or trainers: Books like “The Volumetrics Eating Plan” by Barbara Rolls or “Eat, Drink, and Weigh Less” by Molly Katzen and Walter Willett have revolutionized weight loss and informed thousands of dieters. Books are a great resource when you’re trying to plan your diet meal plan, so make sure to hit your local book store and find a weight loss book that reflects your personal dietary beliefs.
• Health magazines: Magazines are a great way to stay motivated and get informed, without doing some heavy reading. Self and Shape magazines are great for women and Cooking Light could give any dieter great recipes for healthier eating habits.

After you’ve determined your own weight loss philosophy, either selecting a free diet meal plan or even making your own will be simple. If you do choose a program, select one that continues to educate you through the process. As long as you stay informed, you can rest assured that you’re making both smart and healthy decisions.