What's not so clear is the way to lose weight and keep it off.
Going on a diet to lose weight doesn't work.
An enormous amount of research on the diet industry has shown, no matter what the strategy or program, almost 98% of the participants regain the weight they have lost within less than two years.
Fad Diets are Useless at Best...
Dangerous at their Worst We're all old enough to remember the fad diets that have been discredited, from drinking only protein distilled from pigs to never eating anything white.
Most of them were not only unhealthy but triggered unwanted side effects.
Then there were the magic pills...
like the ones that melted weight away while damaging your heart.
And, the very expensive powders and supplements that bulked up the pockets of the providers, but didn't take the bulk off your butt.
Now, recent research has shown that folks who exercise a lot may become more fit, but they really don't really lose weight.
So, what's an overweight senior to do? Changing your eating habits is the only way to take weight off.
Sticking with these new habits is the only way to keep it off.
Your first step is to figure out what you need to do differently.
The best way to figure out what eating habits you need to change your weight is to listen to your body.
The most important lesson I learned in years of conducting weight control programs was that each person's body was unique.
One person could eat carbs to a fare thee well and continue to lose weight.
The person sitting next to her would not only not lose weight if she ate even a small amount of carbs, but would quickly start to gain weight.
Go figure.
Bodies are unique...
as are minds.
Some folks felt deprived if they didn't have sweets every day, no matter what it did to the scale.
Others would cut out anything white, anything from animals, or anything that had a smidgen of fat.
Each of these people were absolutely convinced if they ate their forbidden substance they would blow up like a balloon.
Watch what happens on the scale and how your body reacts as you change your eating pattern.
You need to become the expert on you.
By tracking your food intake, you'll start to see what works for you and what doesn't.
Don't just pay attention to the data, but use it to make changes in your eating habits.
When you slip, notice I didn't say if but when, get back on track and spend some time understanding what tempted you to slip and what you can do next time you're tempted.
Bottom Line with Diet and Food
- Diets don't work.
Changing your eating patterns and habits do. - Listen to your body tell you what will work for you.
- Watch quantity as well as quality.
- Don't get into self-deprivation.
You'll sabotage your efforts for sure! - When you fall off the wagon, get back on.
- Plan treats and snacks into your eating program.
- Try something new every week or so.
Veggies can be tasty. - Avoid fast foods.
- Track your progress.
- Involve your whole family...
especially your honey!