Finding the Right Path to Enjoy Supper and Stay Trim
By Sandy Schroeder
Some people are lucky enough to sail through life without gaining and losing much weight, but many of us know what it is like to put on pounds and then try to take them off.
If you can relate, you may be still be looking for the magic bullet. A few years ago, I thought I had found it and went on to lose 20 pounds. I kept that weight off for quite awhile, monitoring my weight almost daily, and cutting back whenever I gained five pounds. But five pounds became 10 pounds, and then the diet game was on.
Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen commented on recent diet research saying, “The most vulnerable to weight gain were yo-yo dieters, who went on and off and off and on various regimens.”
The research they looked at studied more than 4,000 women and men in their 20s and 30s for more than 10 years. Only 25 percent of the group avoided weight gain. They were the ones who ate regularly and had no history of dieting.
Enjoying Life and Eating Healthy
So how do we find the right answer? How do we lose weight and keep it off? Oz and Roizen suggest gradually changing eating habits instead of trying one diet after another. One option might be the Mediterranean Diet with a lot of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, healthy oils, avocados, nuts and fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Each person’s approach is different and another diet may suit you better. Or you may want to modify this one to fit your family’s tastes. As always, start with your doctor when you think about diet, and discuss your overall health and preferences.
At my house, fish often become fish tacos, and vegetables show up as guacamole and spicy tomato salsa. Fruits range from apple tarts to apricot jelly. I load up the fridge with vegetables once a week. I choose red peppers, green beans, black beans, lots of green onions, carrots and sweet potatoes. Whole wheat tortillas and breads are always on hand and suppers with family and friends happen a lot. Whatever route you take to eat healthy, make sure it fits you and yours.
I have a friend who adopted a diet loaded with fruits and vegetables, and chicken and fish, a few years ago. She went from overweight to normal weight that was maintained. In the process, she enjoyed an overall improvement in health, too.
As you eat healthy, your appetite may naturally adjust as your body slims down. Being comfortable with the foods you eat every day matters. Enjoy the process as you find the best path for you.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Euless, Tex.