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Community Corner

The Healthy Way to Lose the Excess Weight

Before you start your diet plan, be sure you get all the facts you need to be healthy and successful.

Like many of you, I have gone through the weight loss process and learned a few do’s and don’ts along the way.

My story started after the birth of my second baby. I struggled to get the last 15-20 pounds off. My son was 15 months old and I was tired of wearing my “fat jeans.” So I did what a lot of other people have done: I went to a local weight loss center with the intention of losing those last stubborn baby pounds. I lost the weight, but did I mention that the total cost to lose 15-20 pounds was $1,200 dollars?

It’s has been estimated that Americans spend around $42 billion a year on weight loss food, programs and services, and I certainly contributed to that number. I’m now pregnant with my third child and I know I won’t be spending $1,200 to lose a few baby pounds.

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In doing research on health and wellness, I was lucky enough to meet Janice Baker. She is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, and a certified nutrition support clinician. She consults for Arch Health Partners, Personally Fit and is a consultant for private clients.

I asked Janice to share her 28 years of experience working with people struggling with weight loss. The first thing I asked her is, Why do people come to her for private consulting in weight loss when there are so many weight loss options out there?

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“Often times, people come to me after they have spent thousands and thousands of dollars trying different types of diets. I feel for them because of how much money they have spent and still struggle with their weight. People come see me because I work with them as an individual and I can address their eating behaviors as well as their food choices.”

Why do people fail at dieting?

“Not everyone fails on diets. There are some people who can take the weight off and keep it off. However, many people who start the dieting cycle don’t address their eating behaviors. Anyone can lose weight on restricted diets, but if they don’t change their eating behaviors then the weight comes right back. This is often times the start of a lifelong struggle with weight.”

I asked Janice how family members can help and support another family member trying to lose weight and she suggested the following:

  • Have everyone eat the same healthy dinner together. There is no reason to make two dinners; the family should be in unison.
  • If there are sweets in the house, be sure they are put away and out of sight.
  • Avoid eating in front of the TV.
  • Instead of going out for ice cream or fast food, exercise together.
  • Get back to "old fashioned" portion sizes.

I also asked Janice about what advice she would give someone looking to lose weight. She said, “Buyers beware. There are a lot of products and services out there selling you false claims. Before you spend your money, make sure the person you are hiring is certified and credentialed.”

According to MedicineNet.com here are a few claims to beware of when selecting a dieting plan:

  • If the plan claims no exercise is needed.
  • Longterm elimination of a major food group (grains, fats, meats, dairy, fruit, vegetables).
  • If it’s fewer than 1,000 calories a day.
  • No studies using longterm randomized scientific studies showing the diet works and is safe.
  • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

There are many different ways to lose weight and be healthy. Just do your homework so you are as educated as possible about the type of weight loss plan you want to do. Whatever you decide, be sure your weight loss plan includes behavior change as well as healthy food options.

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