Do You Really Want To Lose Weight?

In the last few decades we have been bombarded with diet plans and diet products.  We have been led to believe that the ab roller will solve all of our problems and that eating a low carb, low calorie diet with raspberry ketones will result in permanent weight loss.  Artificial sweeteners have “improved” high calorie drinks and every natural food now has a low fat option. In spite of all this, the weight loss industry has become a multi-billion if not trillion dollar industry; unfortunately because of personal failure instead of success. There is more obesity than ever before along with more cycles of weight loss and weight gain leading to even worse health outcomes. Our population continues to spend more years in a formal educational setting yet we lack the common sense of our ancestors. We stress about money and time, but we use the time and funds we do have to search for the latest fad, trend, surgery or product that will give us instant results.  

So what is the solution? Permanent weight loss and improved health will be achieved if you are committed to making small lifestyle changes. This may seem daunting, but as you know or will find out searching for that quick fix is simply delaying your success.  On a positive note, a lifestyle change does not need to be difficult.  Ensuring adequate water intake is an easy yet very effective way to increase energy, reduce muscle soreness and decrease cravings. An individual who doesn’t sleep well will have higher than normal levels of coritsol which makes losing weight difficult. Sleep in complete darkness! Understand that low fat products are simply products that have more sugar or artificial sweeteners in them. These have been added to replace the fat that has been removed. Unfortunately they cause a higher spike in blood glucose, followed by insulin and are often more detrimental to your health and your weight than the original products.  The hormone diet? Yes eat a diet that balances your hormones this is much more important than obsessing over calories in and calories out. Lastly and I believe most importantly understand the relationship you have with food. Do you eat for fuel or do you snack when you are bored or emotional? Tackling this obstacle by becoming aware of it and choosing a healthier action is better than any appetite suppressant you will ever find at a health food store.

Lifestyle changes need to be realistic. And while some people can “cut cold turkey” most people need to avoid extremes so don’t think of eating healthy or exercising as an all or nothing scenario. The road to weight loss as well as any health goal is to view it as a spectrum and simply move toward the healthier end with small steps each day.

Dr. Vani has worked in the weight loss industry for 15 years. Her philosophy is simple; commit to small changes, be realistic and lose your weight once.