Good news. Even though the American population is 1/3 obese or overweight and even though childhood obesity is a major medical problem in America and the whole world, the numbers have stabilized. The upward curve towards non ending girth has stopped.We are still fat but we are not getting fatter! We are not getting skinnier either! The problem lies that we are so confused about what to eat and not to eat.
Especially at the beginning of the year we are full of good intentions. The number one resolution for the New Year in America is to lose weight. The number 2 is to exercise more. This is the time when we go on a weight loss plan as we find in horror those bulges on our body gotten from holidays indiscretions. We also join a gym or we purchase expensive exercise equipment. Even though are intentions are good and we mean to do these healthy prescriptions, we find ourselves incapable to follow through. May obstacles are put on our way like lack of time, inconvenience and mostly hunger and cravings. By March we are back to square one and the exercise machines become expensive clothes hanger.
How can we avoid that? Weight loss is a complicated procedure that requires more than a diet and an exercise regime. Here are some suggestions:
1. You do not lose weight from exercising. Some people are more genetically predisposed to gain muscle weight though exercise, while others remain puny no matter what they do. Exercise has other benefits namely in weight maintenance.
2. What you put in your mouth is more important. Proteins cause satiety and help with thermogenesis which is burning of fat. Carbohydrates cause inflammation and prevent weight loss.
3. Everybody by now knows what they should or should not eat. However we have overwhelming desires for certain foods, especially comfort foods and sweets. Chocolate is also a very craved item by women. We have to tame the hunger dragon!
4. Many reasons are involved in hunger and cravings. Genes, hormones, medications, bad habits etc… are all responsible. Let us not give up and think that weight loss is the most important thing in our lives.
5. Go see a bariatrician or a physician who is knowledgeable in the quandaries of weight loss. He or she will navigate through your history and your problems and offer you solutions for your weight loss problems. Remember one diet does not fit all. Only individualization of the program works.
6. Finally maintenance of the weight loss is just as important as the weight loss per se.Only weight loss that is maintained for at least 5 years can be considered successful and even a weight loss of 5% of your body weight can improve your health dramatically.
Will get into more details and welcome any questions you may have.