Successful Weight Loss

Did you know that as many as 95% of people who lose weight gain it back or more within five years? Billions of dollars are spent annually on fad diets.   Each diet makes claims that seem to good to be true: “lose 15-20 lbs in 2 weeks,” or “eat whatever you want, whenever you want, and lose weight.”   That is because they are.   Any diet can result in weight loss.   With commitment, this is true.   However, fad diets are only temporary and fail to focus on the factors needed for successful weight loss, like adding exercise or portion control.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: “A fad diet is a short-term fix that actually sets many dieters up for weight loss failure.”  Fad diets lack variety and balance.  They label certain foods as bad or as foods to avoid, when these foods are an important part of a balanced diet.  Examples of popular fad diets: Cabbage Soup diet, Atkins diet, Grapefruit diet, HCG diet, 17-Day diet, Paleo diet, and many more.

According to Kathleen Goodwin in “Successful Weight Loss,” exercise is essential for weight loss and number one predictor of whether you lose weight and keep it off.  Portion control closely follows.  Eating moderate portions without cutting out or avoiding foods has shown to be beneficial.  Adding exercise and eating everything in moderation for a lifetime will lead to weight loss or maintenance.   Fad diets lack these key components, and therefore, are a waste of money.

“The second day of a diet is always easier than the first. By the second you’re off it.” - Jackie Gleason

Following a well-balanced diet and incorporating physical activity into your daily life are 2 important parts of successfully losing weight and keeping it off.  Make an appointment with a dietitian to help you make the necessary lifestyle changes to lose weight and maintain it.