Q: For medical reasons it is imperative that I lose weight. I am considered severely obese and have all the weight-related illnesses (i.e.: Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol) and also experience joint and hip pain. I am 47 years old and have tried Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, LA weight loss, you name it.
Isn't it basically, calories in and calories out? I am so sick of spending a fortune to fall off the diet wagon and end up with even more rebound weight. My medical insurance won't pay for lap band surgery (kind of scares me anyway). So now I'm considering one of these 3-hour plans. But the thought of more monthly fees by joining yet another online program depresses me. Spending the money does not motivate me to stay on program. It's actually just the opposite. I've failed so many times, I feel I'm just setting (or sabotaging) myself up again. HELP! – Dee
A: Weight loss programs are not for everyone, you need to find what works for you. Obviously, a structurized program does not work for you. Instead of trying to follow a restrictive meal plan just try eating healthier. Do not keep any high-fat foods, processed foods or sweets in your house. Read nutritional labels when you go grocery shopping and buy foods that do not contain high amounts of sugar, fat or sodium. Avoid foods with trans fats and limit the amount of saturated fats.
Cooking meals from scratch, rather than out of packages, may be time consuming but it is healthier in the long run. Use olive oil to cook foods like chicken, fish or seafood rather than butter or margarine. Eat small amounts of meat and double your portions of vegetables. Cut back on rice and pasta. When you do eat pasta buy whole wheat. Always eat breakfast. Eating oatmeal or a high fiber cereal will fill you up for a longer period of time. Add fruit to it and include a low-fat yogurt. Eat a larger lunch and have a smaller dinner.
If you don’t exercise, start. This does not mean that you have to join a gym. Go for a walk before breakfast or on your lunch break at work. Buy a yoga or Pilates DVD and practice in your living room. Even a half hour of exercise three times each week will make a difference.