As all of you know, over the past 20 years, the rate of overweight and obesity has increased. This has become a real health issue, not to mention a $30 billion industry due to the “quick-fix” mentality that most Americans have.
About 8 million Americans a year enroll is some sort of weight loss program, whether it be fasts, cleanses, restrictive diets or the like. These are rarely useful or beneficial in the long run and are probably only contributing to the problem. Some words to look for that should raise a red flag when looking at “diets”:
- easy
- effortless
- guaranteed
- miraculous
- magical
- breakthrough
- new discovery
- mysterious
- exotic
- secret
- exclusive
- ancient
Real, effective weight loss will take place slowly. That is hard to hear but it is the truth. Sensible weight loss terms include:
- Portion control
- Fruits and vegetables
- Lean proteins
- Whole grains
- Exercise
- Lifestyle changes
- Limit highly processed foods
- Limit high fat foods
- Lower sugar
- Whole foods
Doesn’t sound quite as exciting does it? But that is what will work. It all goes back to the basics eventually. It is about finding the right balance for you and what works for your lifestyle. Just do the best you can and don’t be fooled by quick fixes or the newest fad. You are smarter than that!!!
Also, since we are on the topic, let’s avoid the judgmental attitude that we are seeing in our society in regards to weight. This is a real issue involving real people that are just trying their best. We need to find a solution, but also realize that none of us are perfect, or need to be. I believe in the “healthy at every weight” approach, we just have a long way to go before we are there in adopting healthier lifestyle practices. Skinny doesn’t mean healthy!
Emily Fonnesbeck RD,CD
