Fat 2 Fit: Breaking the Dieting Cycle
Are you on another yo-yo diet? Taking two critical steps can help you reach a middle ground that leads to a sustainable, healthy weight.
By: Carole Carson | Source: AARP.org | 2008-10-14
Many of us are familiar with the starts and stops of dieting and weight-loss programs. Here's the perspective of Ruth Hochman, a Nevada City, Calif., registered nurse and social worker involved in health-care management, on how to break the cycle:
Do you find yourself asking the question, "What's the point of making New Year's resolutions if I'm just going to fail once again?"
As a former leader of a popular weight-loss program, I can vouch for increased attendance in January each year. But by February, it's "same old, same old."
One dedicated "Weight Watcher" said her husband would ambitiously start a weight-loss program every January 2. It lasted for three hours! Then he waited for the next January 2. Sound familiar? One year, though, he "got religion" and lost 45 pounds.
The difference was that he set reasonable goals. He started something he could continue. Most important, he found a way that worked for him.
Anyone watching television has seen ads for every weight-loss program possible. Nonetheless, I constantly hear that one or another program "doesn't work." Two steps can make the difference:
Step one in weight loss is commitment. Usually it's present in January. Take advantage of it. Step two is finding a livable program for you. Instead of picking a diet, think of the project as a challenge to change your lifestyle. Sure, it takes focus, but isn't living well worth the effort?
Ruth's ideas resonated with my experience. Each of us must figure out the techniques that work for us. No one can solve the riddle for us, but we can give and receive support as we begin and then continue on the fitness journey.
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