Why are we trying to lose weight?

This title may seem strange, but most of us forget why we want to lose weight. Initially we can be so focused and the weight is coming down. Then we allow issues in life to throw us off track, and we are right back eating the way we used to. The weight plateaus, and we become discouraged and then give up.

So, this comes back to finding our reasons to lose weight. We cannot lose our singular focus, otherwise the power of food will override our ability to lose weight. First and foremost, I believe health should be the main aim of determining what and how much we eat. If we look at the macronutrients of food, between fat and protein and carbohydrates, almost invariably it's the carbohydrates that are the major issue. The trouble is, they are tasty and cheap. On the other hand they are highly inflammatory, raising insulin and causing fat deposition, resulting in a myriad of health issues.

Around the world, most experts are agreeing that we must decrease our intake of carbohydrates to prevent illness. Yet most of us are drawn to these sugary foods because they are highly addictive and give immediate gratification. The longer we get used to avoiding the obvious highly refined starches, the easier it becomes. For those trying to avoid diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancers, arthritis and fatty liver, it is so very important to learn to limit these.

When I meet people who have lost weight, but regained, almost invariably it's because snacks have slipped back in such as bread, cereals, bagels, juices etc.

Also, most of us eat way more than we need to. We have become a society where snacks in front of the T.V. are the norm. We also tend to go out to restaurants more than we need to, where portions are large, and usually in that environment we are likely to make less than health choices. Again, in each situation, we must ask ourselves 'is this food worth it?' Is it worth risking your health, your energy, your ability to play with your grandchildren or children? No food is worth this negative impact.

For those that are seeking better health, I find they are motivated to change their habits. Eliminating snacks is the first step, but later, realizing we don't need to eat three meals and 2 or three snacks a day is also a huge second step. Aiming to possibly reduce to 2 meals a day is very reasonable. In our sitting lifestyle (both work and home), we truly do not need to eat in the quantities we ate in our 20's.

Develop resilience of mind. Think about your health one year from now, two years from now, 10 years from now. How do you want to feel or look? Then ask yourself, 'is this food worth it?'

It's not easy, I know that, but if you keep trying you will not only lose weight, but you will feel so much healthier.

Just, never give up!

Dr. Doug