Most of the patients that walk into our clinic looking for a weight loss program come in with the assumption that I am going to put them on a grueling, almost impossible low caloric diet and of course, advise them to exercise until they drop. Most of them are surprised and of course, very much elated when they find out the truth to a successful weight loss program!

Weight Loss Without Deprivation

One of the most common complaints heard from people trying to lose weight is that they experience a constant feeling of deprivation while on their weight loss program. They feel deprived of: eating their favorite foods drinking their favorite beverage (coffee, alcohol, fruit juices) the joy that comes with being able to eat whatever you want to.

In short, dietary restrictions can be quite an annoyance. The above reasons are often why people steer away from or just drop-off their weight loss program.

A Positive Approach is Instrumental to Success

The very first question I‘m often asked is, “What are you going to eliminate from my diet?” My response is always the same: “I would rather explain to you what you can and should eat!” This sets the way for a positive start to the weight loss program. I then go on to explain all the wonderful foods that can be eaten (and yes, some in unlimited amounts).

Always focus on what you can eat – which often includes most fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, organic meats, fish, and hypo-allergenic grains – even this list sounds like a lot! When you focus on the variety, there should be no room for feeling deprived.

Setting Realistic Goals

I always recommend that individuals set multiple small goals for weight loss rather than a large overwhelming goal. For example, if a patient wants to lose 30 pounds, I recommend we focus on a loss of 5 pounds every 2 weeks, over the next 12 weeks. The smaller goals are much easier to attain and also help to keep the patient motivated.

Work Hard Now, Pay Later?

Most weight loss programs rely on this philosophy. However, that is precisely why most people find that they regain all the weight they lost as soon as they deviate from the dietary restrictions of their weight loss program. This does not have to be the case.

It is true that in order to lose weight, some short term drastic changes to your lifestyle and diet may be necessary. However, it is also important that some of these changes be sustainable and continue to be a part of your regular lifestyle so that you can maintain your ideal weight with ease. For example, you may need to have an intense workout schedule 3-4 days per week until you achieve your goal weight and after that, you could decrease the intensity of the workouts, but keep up the frequency – so that you do not quit exercising completely.

Keep It Simple

Most of all it is necessary to keep things simple. I find that most people who become obsessive about calorie counting and calorie burning, stress themselves out to the point that they do not focus on incorporating long-term healthy habits that will help them to keep their weight off. Their focus on the number of calories often distracts them from other more important aspects of food, such as nutrient value and the number of preservatives and additives in packaged foods.

It’s important to engage in a weight loss program that not only embraces the factors listed above but also tailors a program to you individually, taking into account your genetics, age, food sensitivities, and hormonal balance. The result will then be en easy to follow program that will help you to lose the weight you want while keeping off the weight that you’ve worked so hard to lose! Please let me know any questions you have.