What's Your Favourite Weight Loss Secret

What's Your Favourite Weight Loss Secret?

A recent discussion has been happening on this subject on linkedin.  Both Geraldine and I can't help continually checking in on it as we are fascinated with some of the bizarre diets some people undertake.  Conversely, many of the replies are illuminatingly sensible.

Recently at a networking group, one of the members was commenting that weight gain around the middle seems an inevitable consequence of being post menopausal.  Any ideas for combating this?

If you are a member on linkedin you can read the full discussion here or see some of the contributions below.

Here are a few of the secrets revealed:

Kymberly Williams-Evans, MA • No program to suggest, but the bottom line is that there are no secrets. However, we are seeing more and more evidence pointing to the need to cut waaaay back on processed foods; minimize simple carbos, put more protein into breakfasts while pulling carbos out, and ironically getting more sleep while reducing stress. All the dieting and exercise in the world will not keep weight off (once lost) if stress is high and sleep is under 7 hours per night. Isn't that interesting? I was surprised. Kimberley also suggested the book below was an excellent read


Brett Phillips • From what I have read, the HCG diet is not approved by the FDA for weight loss. The loss in weight is a direct result of the restrictive diet (500 calories per day) and this is a very unhealthy amount of calories to be limiting yourself too. Any person who is counting on "medicated weight loss" as a way to achieve complete wellness, is being set up for either future failure or a lifetime of medication. True wellness is eliminating medication and losing weight the natural way, through healthy eating and exercise. The most complete "Natural weight loss" program that I have seen, is The New Well. This program is about guaranteed results that last and is based on nutrition, exercise, accountability and relaxation. Eat healthy, exercise and Live Well. Wishing everyone the best in thier journey toward health and wellness. 

Mary Jessen • Now Katie if we could only convince some of the gals that are on the really strange diets, to be investigative and look and research before they follow the leader. And I wish some of this was more regulated that the crazy diets would then disappear. Go Shaklee. 50 years of science and endorsement by the National Heart Institute is a very good thing! And contrary to Johnson and Johnson: in 50 Years No recall...
Johnson and Johnson has had over 50 recalls in 15 Months! 
After re-reading posts: remember your body needs 1200 calories to work. That is 1200 calories of proper fuel for your heart, liver, pancreas, stomach, Brain to work. When you are under that something...an organ or two or three is not working as it should be. Be careful with very restricted calories. It does reset your metabolism, but not in a good way. Your body is in starvation mode....survival mode....Eat at least 1200 calories and get walking!
Good Luck!

Rosemarie Mitchell • Never eat with distractions. Don't read, watch TV talk on the phone or play with your favorite gadget! Eating consciously means paying attention to the experience of eating and that includes an awareness of all the extra things you munch on long after the meal is over. www.conscious-coaching.net 

Sam Vinson • If you are looking for a "Silver Bullet".....There are none. There are many things you can improve upon, however. Quit eating Fast Food; Prepared and or Processed Foods; read the lables and increase your awareness of what's in the food you consume. One thing I have found that works is to define your diet, not go on a diet. Diet for most people connotes a negative. Dieting is looked upon as a "problem", just the language itself is negative, "I have to go on a Diet". As a result, most will quit before they see any real long lasting results. They just find another "quick fix" at WalMartor go to a "Diet Dr". and start over. Look at food for what it is meant to be, FUEL [for the body]. If you put dirty fuel in your car, it would not run correctly and the same goes for the fuel for your body. So, if you want premium performance from your body, and to keep it running efficiently, why do you fuel ;it with junk. If you would not get caught dead in a junky car, why would you run around in a junky body? 

Sandi Thompson • Going gluten free, even for a short period of time can work wonders to take off stubborn pounds. http://bit.ly/jznObw 

Suzy Carroll • Don't think 'weight loss', think 'weight release'. Embark on lifestyle changes, not dieting. Five to six meals (no longer than 3 hours between eating) to balance blood sugar which helps with sustained energy, eliminates sugar cravings and most people even sleep better. Cut back on portion sizes of your three main meals and add in healthy snacks. Stick to low glycemic foods of 55 or less - and I so agree with an earlier comment - kick the gluten out of your life. You MUST eat fat to lose weight. My favorite fat is coconut oil. 35grams of fat (if not more, depending on height, activity, etc). When you deprive your body of calories, fat, carbs, sooner or later it becomes a body out-of-balance and the weight is found again. Whatever 'program' a person uses, the bottom line is balance. Balanced nutrition, healthy living = weight release for life. A side note...if weight release has been difficult, even when doing everything right, thyroid or hormone imbalances may be the issue. 

Meanwhile - ours (Geraldine's and my secret) would have to be what we learned from doing the Sureslim programme a few years ago.  Basically it is no fillers.  No rice, white bread etc.  Lot's of unprocessed food and a very balanced meal 3 times a day.  A palm size of protein.  Protein a must with breakfast.  And - no alcohol.

Let's face it.  If you want to lose weight it means a few weeks of boring but eventually you will develop better habits and not return to the large portions.  As my dear old Dad said - breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner is eaten as if a pauper.  Plus leave the table before you feel full.

Meantime, as food for thought, read this article in NZ Herald's wed edition - 'Diet Industry built on the failure of it's products' where Catherine Bennett asks why we keep swallowing diets we know are flawed.  Catherine discussed the Dukan diet made famous, or infamous, by Kate Middleton's Mother.