It really is interesting for me to watch all those weight loss program commercials that compete for air time with the fast food spots. That actually is an interesting topic for another blog, but let's focus on weight loss here.
The observation I wanted to share is that I now can identify with those who have done their time and succeeded in losing and keeping off weight. It really does feel fabulous, you really do feel more confident, with a feeling of accomplishment. The sad thing though, is that unless you have gone through that experience, a 20 second testimonial really isn't going to get most of us off our couch and into the clinic. I suppose that the commercials must be somewhat effective since the whole part of advertising is to keep pitching the message so when you are ready to buy you know where to go.
For me though, it was seeing success around me which really jumped started my resolve to take my fitness and nutrition discipline to the next level and get serious about losing pounds which I wasn't happy carrying around. I was already a runner, and eating healthily, but for some reason I just could not get the scale to move to where I wanted it to. I had seen the preventable illnesses my parents generation were facing due to poor diet and lack of exercise so that helped motivate me to chose to live a healthy lifestyle so that I could enjoy a long, happier life.
In the end you have to be ready and already healthy to lose weight quickly. Always be sure that your doctor is on board with the program. I chose was Dr. Bernstein, with clinics across Canada and in some parts of the United States. A few co-workers had lost weight on the program, the clinic was right across the street and our company subsidized weight loss as part of a health plan so all the ducks were in a row. The first thing they tell you is that it is a diet, contrary to what other programs tell you. You see a nurse each visit, committing to public weigh ins, B12 injections 3 times a week and a urine sample to confirm you are in keytosis, meaning your body is burning fat. There is blood work done every 6 weeks and a doctor's consultation once a month. You cheat and you are kicked out of the program, but they will have already taken some of your money so they aren't totally sad to see you go.
Another friend lost weight with Weight Watchers and in comparing notes the nutritional advice is about the same, just a different approach and you are pretty much doing the program on your own, but with the "online" support of other members. I am a self-disciplined person to begin with, but having someone else you are accountable to every other day was a key factor. I was a bit competitve and would wear my light clothes to weigh in, stuck to my guns and lost 35 pounds in 30 days. The fish in the photo is a 36 pound Tyee Spring Salmon, and I am at my heavier weight, so I call it my Oprah shot. I have tried on subsequent fishing trips to catch another of that size at my new weight, but the fishing gods have yet to smile on me.
It is sad for me to see Oprah, a woman of immerse power and success still struggle with weight. What keeps me motivated is the fear that I would have lost all the time, energy, and this time pay my own money to do it over again. But once you undersand the power of lean protein, lots of vegetables, water and for me, the danger of carbohydrates, you have the proper tools to stay healthy and happy. Some of my co-workers who did Dr.Bernstein also fell off the wagon, but my dear friend who made me say "wow, how can I do that?" is just as fit and healthy two years later. I am just as proud of her as I am of myself.
Let's see if Oprah will get it together this time. Dramatic weight loss and gain is not healthy.
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