Customized Weight Loss Find Your Fit

By Nancy J. Miller-Ihli, PhD

Weight loss is challenging because although we often know what we should eat, there are a ton of unhealthy choices available to us every day. About 67% of Americans are overweight or obese and there is so much concern about the health implications that the American Medical Association has recently decided obesity is a disease.

There are many different approaches to weight loss that can work. The problem is that most people start on a diet and because diets are a temporary way of eating, the day you start you're already thinking about when it will end. That sort of thought process means that many people get motivated to lose weight but they regain it later and that lose-gain cycle actually can damage your metabolism, slowing it by as much as 20%.

Too many health professionals have had the opinion that weight loss is simply a matter of self control and that if people need to lose weight they should simply make up their mind and do it. It's simply not that easy. Research published by Ludwig who is from Harvard shows that food (specifically sugar) can be addictive. In the first study of it's kind, researchers fed participants two different shakes with equal amounts of protein, fat, fiber and calories. The only difference was that one of the shakes had fast release carbs and the other shakes had slow release carbs. When participants consumed the fast release carb shakes researchers saw activity in a portion of their brain much like what is seen when someone consumes an addictive substance such as alcohol or drugs. After consuming that shake, participants reported significant food cravings highlighting the physiological connection. No such response was seen with the slow release carb shake.

Now that you know it's not your fault if you are overweight it's important to know that you can definitely achieve your health and wellness goals. The key is to make a lifestyle change. A comprehensive program with dietary recommendations, nutritional support and exercise guidance along with support from a coach can yield excellent, long-lasting results. With coaching and a customized program based on your goals, time frame, motivation level and budget, you can break free of you sugar cravings and make significant progress on your health and weight loss goals. I promise you'll look better, feel better, have more energy and be on your way to becoming your best you.