This week we are continuing with the subject of losing weight and regaining control of our lives. The question this week is at what cost or what price are you willing to pay to drop those pounds? For many people when the desire to lose weight becomes a necessity due to health issues the question is how do I meet my goal without ultimately placing myself at greater risk.
There has to be a million diets, each formulated by a man or woman who swear to its validity. The television is ripe with a plethora of weight loss tools and gadgets all designed to either truly help or truly make one rich. How many times have we started a new diet, only to find that this one is just as unsuccessful as the last one hundred, resulting in another let down and another bout of discouragement and depression. We have all been there, and we all know the results, so what can we change or do different this time?
The first piece of advice that I can give is to consult a physician before engaging in any form of a diet or excercise. I use to think that this was crazy because the doctor would probably tell you that you just need to go on a diet, costing you money to hear something you already know. The wisdom in such an act can spare you further heartache and pain, literally. If it has been years since you last exercised or attempted weight loss it would be a good move to know what your body can withstand and what may hurt. I think that it goes without saying that you cannot sit on the couch for years without excercise and physical movement that you should not attempt a 5K run. A doctor will be able to check your blood pressure and detect any warning signs that may be beneficial to your plan.
Secondly, never starve yourself! A close personal friend of mine will go on for weeks barely eating. His diet will consist of mainly tuna and crackers, and each time he ends his period of non-eating he will have lost 40 pounds but he gains that weight back plus much more. The key to dieting has to be nutrition mixed with daily activity, the right combination of foods along with a excercise that you enjoy always leads to a life-style change which leads to success.
We have discussed briefly diets and excercise, but one of the most popular forms of weight loss in past years has to be the Gastric-Bypass, and more recently the Lap-Band procedure. During one doctor visit I was informed by the physician that the only effective weight loss for a morbidly obese person was the gastric bypass. I of course do not believe this or I would have attained the funds in order to have the procedure. However, these methods have proven to aid people in the weight loss battle who may not be physically capable of excercise. People who only need to lose 30 or 40 pounds can probably change minor habits and see success but for those who are past a crucial point may need surgery in order to achieve their goal. I must admit that as of late I have considered the lap band procedure but Money is an issue. I do believe in my heart of hearts that a lifestyle change, not a fad could be the difference maker in not only my life but many others.
Jared Fogel, you know the subway guy, found success in changing his eating habits and daily activity. instead of the newest fad let us explore the old fashion way of eating less and moving more.
