Well into spring now, people are asking me a lot about “jump starts.” Kick starting a weight loss plan is a way to get some close to immediate gratification and though not at all necessary, I understand. It’s important, though, for everyone to keep in mind THERE IS NO QUICK FIX when it comes to weight loss. Though every single time I turn on my TV there is a trendy new diet, weight loss supplement, exercise program or product, or even a non-exercise product, the way to lose weight remains the same, so let me say it again so we are all on the same page.
WEIGHT LOSS EQUALS MORE CALORIES OUT THAN IN!
How you work that above equation is up to you. We each have a different activity level, different food preferences, different schedules, different health issues, etc. There is no one, universal rule that will work for everyone. The basics, however, are always the same. Calories in vs. calories out.
Often asked about cleanses to jump start weight loss programs, I consistently suggest making a massive pot of some type of non-starchy vegetable soup. Drinking it, lots and lots and lots of water with fresh lemon, and eating vegetables and some fruit for a few days. This will help keep you well hydrated and feeling full. I like to this of this as a detox that will help clean out your insides, but more importantly help you reset your cravings. After a few days its good to start adding back in foods like whole grains and lean protein. As you start adding back in foods, you are so happy for them that you aren’t really thinking about the foods you shouldn’t be eating and by this time, your sweet tooth has mellowed out and you are much more in control of what goes in your temple.
Just this week I saw Oprah announce the miracle. Of course I had to watch, even though I know there is no weight loss miracle. On her show was the woman who wrote the book Women Food and God. I watched it once and then, because I really wasn’t entirely getting it, I watched it a second time, but I still didn’t really get it. The author, Geneen Roth, seemed like a really lovely, kind woman and I liked what she had to say, but I wasn’t seeing where any of this was new, news, or a miracle! All of us that overeat, clearly have eating issues, just as “over-drinkers” have drinking issues and “over-gamblers” have gambling issues. Though I have not read the book (and don’t plan on it) the premise is very much like a 12 step program. Hey, if it works for some, that’s GREAT! There are many roads that all lead to the same destination, but none of those roads are miracles (and just for the record, I DO believe in miracles, just not diet miracles–we have to do the work). IF in fact, this is Oprah’s miracle, I will look forward to seeing her start to return to a healthier weight! As she herself said on this week’s episode, none of the “rules” matter if you are not willing to do the work.
As my friend Suzanne always said about life, “if you are not sure where you are going, pick a road and stay on it and the road will take you to your destination.” To lose a pound you have to burn about 3,500 calories. If you remove 500 calories a day from your intake, you’ll lose about a pound a week. You can get there by less food, more exercise or, hopefully a combination of the two. I STRONGLY recommend keeping a food diary or at least writing down the calories you consume. Get away from sugar–I don’t care if you can metabolize it or not, it’s the devil! Instead of salt, try any number of wonderful spices, fresh or dried. Spices help us feel satisfied, and some (like hot pepper) might actually kick up our metabolism. Remind yourself often that YOU control YOUR destiny. This is one thing that no one else can do for you, and no one else should take away from you! Your life, your body, your TEMPLE.
I don’t believe in waiting for Mondays. That’s just me. I believe that each and every day we wake up with endless choices before us. With all things, they always seem more overwhelming waiting for them to happen (anxiety). Jumping in, for me, always makes me think “hmmm this isn’t so bad/hard afterall. In fact, once we start putting one foot in front of the other, all things seem brighter.
Wishing you a bright journey and a happy weekend…maybe even a miracle or two!
Rita says
I do not believe in depriving one’s body of any type of desired food. I am not a “diet” type of a person, yet I have eaten whatever I want for my entire life. What is the key?? Portion control! It is all a “head game.” Just tell yourself that this is the portion that will satisfy your desire and so be it. It does take discipline, BUT that is also a good thing. I can “size up” a portion and know how much I should eat. It takes practice and lots of will power BUT it does work!! Give it a try!!! Also, allow yourself a certain amount of snacks….put them in a small container and just eat that amount. YOU are in control of your food intake.
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