Slim People in Progress

Are We Asking the Right Question for Weight Loss?

Following is a new article by guest author Lynette Patterson...

Are We Asking the Right Question for Weight Loss?

I’ve caught myself in this trap, touting the statistics and reminding everyone who will listen that obesity is the leading killer in the US. I speak about the dangers of obesity and how being overweight shortens life and lengthens disease.

But I’ve been thinking...is this the right focus? Is talking about death enough to motivate people to seek life? I’m beginning to believe no. Recently I had a conversation with a young father with many years of life ahead of him. I listened to him as he spoke with great knowledge of how diabetes ravages the body, of how being obese will cause him to die many years before is necessary. And, how even this knowing doesn’t stop him from his need to stop for fast food, drink a soda or eat the food his co-workers bring in. This amazingly smart young man knows that the path he is walking is slippery, yet he finds difficulty in making wiser choices and beats himself up for his lack of willpower.

So...is discussing death enough to make us want to choose life? After all, the #1 cause of death is death. Everyone will die. It’s a certainty.

Let me ask a better question... What is the #1 cause of life?

Tips For Losing Weight For Good

On the surface it seems simple to lose weight eat less and be more active however the number of overweight and obese people continues to rise. People try many strategies in an attempt to lose weight often the latest Hollywood diet or fad. How often do you hear the words I am on a diet or I’ll eat what I want before I start my diet, many times losing weight while on the so called diet only to re-gain it and some when they return to their usual eating habits. This yo yo cycle isn’t healthy for mind or body.

The best approach is to work towards a healthy lifestyle and making long –term changes.

Consider these questions before beginning

Ø How ready am I to change? if you are thinking about it but still not all that motivated brainstorm the health benefits and focus on how much better you would feel

Ø Break down your barriers to change-write a list and work through them, develop good time management and prioritize time for you to cook and be active

Ø Do you eat when hungry or for other reasons such as emotions, habit or boredom. Work towards a regular meal schedule and listen to your bodies cues to eat when hungry

Ø Do you perceive certain foods as good and bad and follow dieting rules? Re-program your mind and have a healthy relationship with food there’s no good or bad foods you just need to get the balance right

Ø Eat slowly – it takes time for the brain to get the message that your full

Ø Develop effective emotional coping strategies try not to use food for comfort, break the cycle of eating when stressed then feeling guilty. Call a friend, take a walk, pray, have a hot bath and try yoga.

Ø Increase physical activity try to find activities that can be worked into your daily life you don’t have to join a gym. Take the stairs, walk on your breaks, try pilates and yoga at home or take a class, get some weights and lift at home, try tennis with friends and family or get a bike, find lots of activities you enjoy and have fun!

 Overtime as you work towards a healthy lifestyle and face each challenge in a positive way you’ll slowly start to feel stronger more in control and enjoy better health. 

Rebecca Subbiah RD, LDN

Eat Less to Loss weight: Seriously

I've rounded up a new guest author for you...Rebecca Subbiah is a Registered Dietitian in both the United Kingdom and America.She has 8 years of clinical experience in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient, doctors offices and home health. She is also a certified personal fitness trainer and freelance writer. She specializes in counseling for weight management and is certified by the American Dietetic Association.

Eat Less to Loss weight: Seriously
By Rebecca Subbiah RD, SRD

In a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine earlier this year, it was concluded it’s not what you eat but how much that’s important to lose weight. Researchers evaluated four diets on 811 men and women over a two-year period. Two of the diets were low in fat namely 20% of calories and two were higher - 40% of calories from fat. All of the diets were heart healthy, rich in fruits and vegetables and whole grain’s and low in saturated fat less than 8%.

Importantly the participants attended both individual and group weight loss sessions with registered dietitians and completed an online food diary. They were encouraged to exercise 90 min a week and received an individualized calorie goal.

After the 2-year study they had kept off an average of 9lb and had lost 1-3 inches off their waistlines. The ones who had attended over 2/3 of the sessions had done better losing an average of 13 lb.

The take home for this landmark study is it doesn't really matter what diet you wish to follow, as long it is balanced and you are eating less of it. It also shows that support and an individualized approach is a key factor for long - term success. It is worth looking up a dietitian in your area.

Enjoy food from around the globe, and exploring new restaurants have fun but if you are watching your weight be careful of the quantities you eat, as a little here and there sneaks up on you.

Rebecca Subbiah is a freelance writer and dietitian trained both in the UK and US, check out her blog Chow and Chatter at http://chowandchatter.com

Weight Loss 101 for Labor Day

Ran across an article today with some good tips for Labor Day picnics (if you're in the U.S. and for any picnic if you're not!). Check out the suggestions for health side dishes...

Weight Loss 101: What are some preparation tips and healthy food ideas for Labor Day?