This article was inspired by H. Philip of www.kcalorie.com. One weekday evening, I thought I found a good article covering weight loss preparation scams. After reading the article, I realized the author's definition of "preparation" isn't mine. The opening paragraph... Wouldn't it be nice to just take a pill, drink a potion or apply a stick-on patch, which would reduce your weight without any effort? Of course it would. Now, there are many preparations out there that claim to reduce your weight without any effort or will power. I can tell you now, that 99 percent of these preparations are a total fraud. Not only are most of them useless, but also many of them are downright dangerous. The author uses the word "preparation" as a noun, I prefer to teach it as a verb. Any pill or program claiming weight reduction is a "preparation" to this author...and that's fine. I feel, however, you'll lose more weight if you think of weight loss "preparation" as a verb. Let me explain... The list of factors contributing to the dismal success rates of dieting programs is long. My professional opinion is that at the top of this list is your inadequate preparation for the dieting process. Think of weight loss preparation as an active process, which if done correctly, prepares your body, your mind, and your diet plan for maximum results. "Preparation" is a verb. Before starting a diet plan...follow the steps below: Step 1. Two weeks before starting a diet plan, eat a balanced diet consisting of 30% fat, 30% carbohydrate (5% for sugar), and 40% protein (try eating mostly lean protein sources from animals and plants). Eat fruits and vegetables with every meal. Start taking a general, once-a-day vitamin supplement. Step 2. Split your normal daily caloric intake into 5-6 meals a day (instead of 1-2 calorie heavy meals a day). Step 3. Walk 30 minutes every day. Step 4. Write your weight loss goal. Now divide it by 2 or 3 to make the goal manageable. For instance, most men wanting to lose weight use 25 pounds as a goal. Ok. But how about two dieting sessions each with a 12 pound goal? 12 just looks easier...and it is! This is process is known as shaping goals. It works! Step 5. Throughout the two weeks of preparation, identify your motivation for losing weight. Stay away from a cosmetic motivation and focus on health, family, and friends. Yes, you'll look better...but dropping weight provides youthful energy for high quality time with your kids. Following these five steps will prepare you for the results you deserve. To Healthy Living! Michael A. Smith, MD |
