Wednesday, April 7, 2010

weight loss and support

Last night I attended the group meeting that occurred in our office Tuesday evenings. Kymberly Posner was the group leader and over the past number of months a small group gathered at the office to discuss issues that may be supprt/help for members of the group to share.

Along your pathway of weight loss, finding a person/people who are similarly sharing this mission can be very helpful. Support both logistically (exercising together) and psychologically are both vital elements that can enhance a person's weight loss efforts. When we feel "alone" in our efforts, the journey is often more difficult.

Seek out others who you know are in a weight losing mode and offer supprt systems...occasional meetings, forming an exercise group, sharing recipes, etc. Having support will make your weight loss efforts easier and more successful

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

weight loss and snoring

It seems that this pertains more to men than women, but it is clearly the observation of most that when weight loss occurs, the quality of sleep improves. One of the symptoms that markedly improves is snoring.

Obstructive sleep apnea is secondary to excessive soft tissue (fat) in the neck area and this can obstruct the breathing mechanics. This leads to episodes during the night when a person cuts off their breathing, leading to the deep breathing and snoring that start occurring. Often, the affected person is unaware of this process, but most certainly the person's bed partner does.

Because the quality of sleep is being disrupted, the affected person may exhibit chronic fatigue and daytime somulence.

Losing weight improves the mechanics of the breathing process, improve the quality of sleep which leads to heightened energy. Yet another great reason to stay focused on your weight loss efforts!

Monday, April 5, 2010

weight loss and counting portions

Losing weight requires "work"..gainign weight requires no work at all. When I say "work" I mean that to lose weight, one has to consciously count portions, avoid certain food and beverage sources, not skip meals, get much protein in, exercise etc. One has to plan their meals, mentate how to handle business trips, meals in airports, etc.

Sometimes when I provide a consultation about our program, the listener will bristle when i say that our food intake is a "counting portion" program. I sometimes will hear "that is too much work".

Sorry, but the reality of losing weight is that IT IS WORK. There are no "easy" ways around this...not a magic pill, not a miracle supplement, not a wonder book with a cartoon and funny title to read...

But the "work" is soooo worthwhile....feeling more energy, looking yopunger, ridding yourself of certain medications for co-morbidities, finding your self esteem return....all of these are well worth the work required to achieve these.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

weight and Easter

A very Happy Easter holiday to everyone. A great day to be around family and celebrate the holiday.

Traditionally, there will be many food sources appearing that will not be helpful to your weight loss efforts. If you are preparing the feast, please keep a sensitivity that many around the table may be in a weight control mode so please provide alternatives that will not derail their efforts. HIgh protein choices and vegetables are conducive to the mission to lose weight.

If you are attending someone else's feast, make the smart choices. Remember at all times that you have placed a priority on being healthier, looking younger, having higher self-esteem etc., but to get there you need to NOT give in to food sources that will derail your efforts.

Being around the people you love is what the holiday is truly about. The high-caloric food sources that are available have no love for you and you can easily say "no" to them.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

weight loss and self-confidence

One of the great by-products of achieving significant weight loss are the higher self-confidence and self-esteem that accompanies this body change. Globally, we feel better about ourselves, as we look healthier, younger, better in our clothes etc. We exude a more positive aura that others can detect.

I want to take this opportunity to promote our Fashion Show for June 19, 2010 3PM at Bobby McKeys piano bar at the National Harbor. The purpose of this event is twofold: Our "models" are not professional models...they will be our patients (hopefully YOU) who have lost a significant amount of weight....not necessarily their entire goal, but yet enough weight that they can now feel comfortable and confident wearing something in front of other people that they never would have done before. This is the motivationa;/inspirational part. The charity part is that we asking people to donate their clothes that do not fit them anymore to a charity that collects clothes for people who are trying to get back into the workforce who cannot afford them.

At the event, we will also be doing a book signing for our new weight loss book being released in May, 2010. We will have a professional makeup artist applying makeup to our "models". This will be a really fun event and I hope that you will consider being one of our models! Aside from providing motivation and inspiration for others, you will also get a free signed book! Give us a call at: 703-866-4144 and ask for Jennifer Johns. Please attend as a participant but if that is just too uncomfortable for you, then please attend the event and bring those clothes!

Friday, April 2, 2010

weight loss and protein

We have found that for effective weight loss to occur, one must optimize protein and vegetable intake and minimize fruits and carbs. However the source of protein does make a difference...

We have noticed ingestion of protein sources such as chicken, turkey, fish, seafood, lean red meat is a better mechanism for weight loss than other protein sources such a beans and cheese. The lower the fat content of the protein source, the more aggressive will be your weight loss.

Try to keep your protein ingestion high but at the same time remember that the more you can stick to the above mentioned protein sources, the more aggressive will be your weight loss..

Thursday, April 1, 2010

weight loss and the herd mentality

In social settings, it is very difficult to be around a bunch of people eating high-caloric food sources and drinking alcohol without feeling compelled to join in the "fun". Think of a dinner out with a group of friends when the waiter comes over with the dessert tray. Everone starts talking about what looks great, how people can share the several items that will be ordered etc. Or, how about after the first round of alcohol drinks when the waiter comes over and asks if everyone wants a refill? The "herd" mentality usually takes over in these situations and we find ourselves compelled to follow the pack.

Try not to fall into the "herd" mentality and do not feel that you must join everyone else in the eating and drinking behaviors that will make you less healthy and less happy. Be a role model for others, as I am going to bet that in anyone's circle of friends, there will be a number of overweight people. Become the "herd leader" and lead by example.