Forget the Resolution Join the Weight Loss Revolution

By Nancy J. Miller-Ihli, PhD

Approximately 67% of Americans make a New Years Resolution and many are related to improved health. Interestingly enough, only 8% of people achieve their goals. With weight loss it's no wonder. Doctors tell people they need to lose weight but seldom explain how to do it. I was overweight my whole life even though I worked in nutrition research and I tried many different programs that simply did not work.

Here are some tips to help you find the right approach to be successful with weight loss.

Customized Lifestyle Program

Your personality must be considered because it affects your dietary choices and habits. The program you select needs to work with your lifestyle or you won't stick with it. Gaining and losing is not the goal so you want to make a permanent lifestyle change. Starting with a survey based on your preferences is the way to find your fit and a program that will work for you.

Nutrition Education

Americans aren't taught about nutrition or reading labels in school. It's important to gain the necessary education to understand why you need to exercise and eat healthy and how to do that. Low glycemic impact eating (which stabilizes your blood sugar levels) can increase energy, decrease cardiovascular risk, better manage or help you avoid diabetes and the very best thing is that it targets fat loss. Most people are focused on losing weight but what is most important is losing fat so you can improve your metabolism.

Motivation and Coaching Support

People don't always like to be held accountable but working with a qualified coach typically increases people's weight loss by a factor of 2-3x.

A good coach realizes people learn differently and are motivated by different things. An ideal program offers audio, video, journal, online and live support. Being part of a class or an accountability group helps you to stay and track and nearly always yields greater results.

A comprehensive lifestyle program including healthy eating education, exercise, nutritional support, goal setting and coaching are what will lead to long-term success. Are you wondering if there is a program that can work for you? The answer is yes if you're ready.

Working together we can set you and your family up for a lifetime of success and good health. Small steps lead to big results. You can be successful too.