Let’s face it, no one likes feeling fat. No one likes their clothes to be too tight or to look in the mirror and not feel attractive, but losing those excess pounds can be difficult, intimidating, and confusing. With so many diets and weight loss plans out there it’s really hard to tell the difference between the fads, the frauds, and the programs that actually work. And, to complicate things, the same plan doesn’t work for everyone—so how do you choose one?

One thing that most programs agree on is that there is no quick fix when it comes to losing weight and keeping it off—it takes work. Dieting is work, but choosing the right diet for your body and your lifestyle can make the experience less of a chore. Some people have a hard time counting calories and preparing healthy meals due to busy schedules or lack of cooking skills, and for those people diet plans with prepared meals, delivery services, or planned menus can make losing weight a snap. Other people don’t like pre-prepared food or need larger portions. For them, preparing their own meals based on their tastes means that there is a much better chance they will actually stick to their diets. Plus, then they can eat larger portions of vegetables and fruits to help keep them full without consuming too many calories. Others like to be able prepare some of their own meals and purchase prepared foods for some of their meals. They need plans with lots of flexibility that can incorporate spontaneity.

Exercise programs are just as varied as diets. Some people can run for miles or do aerobics for hours, while others prefer lower impact workouts like swimming, yoga, or Pilates. Some people are self-starters who motivate themselves while others burn more fat in class settings with a trainer there to motivate them. Some people hate exercising altogether and need fun classes or sports like tennis that feel less like a workout. The best way to figure out which exercises you are going to enjoy the most is to head over you your local gym and try a few things out. Go to a few classes, try out the equipment, hop into the pool, or pick up a racquet. You will be more likely to stick to your workouts if you don’t hate them!

When it comes to losing weight, it is always easiest if you take your lifestyle, preferences, and taste buds into account when choosing a plan to follow. What works for your best friend or sister may not work for you. If you play to your strengths and chose a program that isn’t a huge stretch for you it’s going to be easier to stick to and ultimately you are going to have more success.