The First Step for Lasting Weight Loss

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The first thing most people do when they want to lose weight is to go on a "diet." This is the exact WRONG thing to do. The only way to achieve LASTING weight loss and improved health is to make lifestyle changes that you will continue even after you reach your goal weight. Give up the idea that you will be able to go back to eating the way you ate that caused you to gain all your weight. Once you achieve your goal weight, you will be able to liberalize your eating to some extent, but you will need to continue to eat healthy, whole foods, limit simple carbohydrates, and exercise regularly. There are some studies that show it requires more exercise to MAINTAIN one's weight once it is lost, that it does to LOSE it.

Therefore, the FIRST step to lasting weight loss is to accept that you must make certain LIFESTYLE changes that will be PERMANENT. As mentioned above, this includes eating healthy, whole foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats and dairy. It also means limiting simple carbohydrates such as sugar, processed grains, white rice, and potatoes. How severely one must limit their carbs depends upon their degree of insulin resistance.

Finally, accept that exercise in some way, shape, or form must become a part of your life. Even disabled people can incorporate some form of exercise into their lives. Ideally you should do at least 30 minutes of cardio 3 times a week (preferably more), and weight-training a minimum of twice a week. The cardio burns fat while the weight-training improves your metabolism and helps to sculpt your body as the fat comes off.

Therefore, the FIRST step you need to take if you want to achieve LASTING weight loss is to understand that you are going to need to make a permanent lifestyle change. Once you accept this fact, you will be ready for the next steps, which we will cover in future posts.

Happy Holidays,
MommyDoc