Newswise — Losing weight is one of the most cited New Year’s resolutions each year. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the least successful. Harris Health System clinical nutrition manager Shaynee Roper, LD, RD, offers some simple strategies for success in 2013.
It starts, she says, by recognizing that losing weight is a lifestyle and not merely a change in diet.
“A lot of people set goals and are really gung-ho in January and February, but then their energy fades because they’re not making a lifestyle change,” says Roper, clinical nutrition manager, Harris Health System, is a registered and licensed dietitian with more than 20 years of experience. “Most want a quick fix, but if you have more than 8-10 pounds to lose, it isn’t going to be a quick fix. You have to stay on task and stick with it for 6-12 months to see results.”
Roper offers five tips:1. Set small goals. A weekly goal of losing a pound or perhaps five pounds over a month is reasonable. Or better yet, don’t establish weight goals, but rather set goals of reducing or eliminating bad foods like fried food or sweets.
2. Jot down everything you eat and drink for two weeks. Learn from this food journal what you can reduce and eliminate. Drink more water and eat more fruits and vegetables.
3. From the food journal, identify trigger foods that are overeaten or are not healthy. Start reducing or eliminate one or two from your diet. Make sure that unhealthy foods like candy or salty chips are not in the house or easy to get.
4. Find another activity like exercise, reading a book or riding a bike to replace the urge to eat when not hungry. Learn to recognize the difference between “hunger” (need to eat) and “appetite” (desire to eat). Exercising 30 minutes a day, 4-5 times a week, is recommended. 5. Reward yourself for accomplishments. Maybe it’s buying a new pair of shoes for achieving a weight loss or for eliminating fried foods. However, don’t reward yourself with food.
“When eliminating or reducing certain foods from your diet, pick one or two to start. Work on these for two weeks before adding more,” Roper says. “It may seem like a slow process, but remember, it’s more a lifestyle change. Doing it slowly will help you stick with it and make you feel like you’re not giving up everything all at once.”
For exercise, Roper suggests breaking up the 30 minutes of recommended activity into small 5-10 minute segments throughout the day. Maybe it’s doing leg lifts or arm curls while at a computer desk, walking a hallway or stairway or doing sit-ups or crunches while watching TV.
“Any exercise will get your metabolism revved up and into gear,” she says.
While losing weight is an individual effort, Roper encourages having family and friends support.
“Sometimes if you have to answer to someone else like a family member or friend, you are more likely to follow the plan that you have set for yourself,” she says. “If you have to meet someone at the gym, you are more likely to show up and exercise.”
For more information or help in setting a personal weight-loss plan, consult your physician and/or a dietitian.
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