Finding Diets That Work

This is part of an article from WebMD by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD. Titled, "The Worst Diets Ever: Diets That Don't Work" can be found in its entirety here:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/worst-diets-ever-diets-that-dont-work

It is interesting to note that even with weight loss surgery we tend to seek diet programs and plans to help us lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. In fact, the 5 Day Pouch Test, considered by many to be a diet, has helped thousands of people get back to the weight loss surgery basics that we may have let slide. I have excerpted from Ms. Zelman's article three points for finding a weight loss or weight management plan that can work for us. These are good common sense tips that go a long way in supporting our healthy lifestyle.

Finding a Diet That Works
by Kathleen M. Zelman for WebMD

"There is no such thing as one size fits all when it comes to diet plans, and it's key to find one that fits your lifestyle. The best diet is one you can safely and realistically stick with for the long term, plain and simple.

"It should be flexible enough to fit into your real life and should encourage healthier eating by focusing on balance, variety, and moderation" says May. "I encourage my patients to enjoy eating the foods they love every day, mindfully and in moderation."

In fact, the best "diet" may not be a diet at all, says Yale University's David Katz, MD, author of The Flavor Point Diet.

"Forget about 'dieting' and instead, think about strategies to satisfy your hunger for fewer calories," he says. "Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help manage your appetite."

Dawn Jackson-Blatner, RD, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends using diet books as a loose template for tips, strategies, and behavioral ideas. Or save your money and follow the three-step approach she uses with her own weight loss clients:

1. Take inventory of what you're doing now and identify your "weakest link." "Most people know immediately where they are vulnerable -- 3 p.m. snacking, monster portions, too much alcohol, (an) insatiable sweet tooth, or snacking all day long," she says. Katz suggests trying to identify what led to your weight gain and address it. For example, if you overeat because of stress, consider a stress management course. Develop a strategy to address areas where you're vulnerable so you can set yourself up for success.

2. Identify one to three small changes you can make right now in your diet and exercise habits. "Even though they want quick results, this method has proven to be safe, effective, and sustainable long term," Blatner says."

3. Reassess in a few weeks to see whether your changes are working; then make a few more small changes. "It takes about 12 weeks for you to see progress, and that is about the time you should incorporate a few more changes so you keep pushing the bar," Blatner says.

And remember: if you are struggling with weight control after weight loss surgery it is never to late to re-discover your tool. Give the 5 Day Pouch Test a try and get back in the game of healthy living. Thousands who had lost hope in their weight loss surgery tool have learned, with the 5 Day Pouch Test, how to work the tool again. You can do it too.

Randy Jackson Diet Book Coming Soon!

Randy Jackson

As reported in OK Magazine Randy Jackson, who had gastric bypass in 2003 and lost 150 pounds, announced the forthcoming publication of his own diet book, "The No-Nonsense Guide to Getting Fit, Eating Better, and Living Longer" due out in November.

Jackson 51, who announced this year that he has Type II diabetes, says he has tried every diet under the Sun, and he swears that his new approach holds the key to the "new you".

In the diet blog community this publication is being met with great skepticism. At Diet Blog Gerald "Gerry" Pugliese says, "If you were looking for an ambassador for healthy living, you might not make a beeline for Randy Jackson." The comments are even more critical. Gwendolyn writes, "I'm sorry, someone who failed at life and had to get a gastric bypass and is **still fat** should never ever write anything about dieting and nutrition."

I don't know Mr. Jackson personally, but I do know that weight loss and weight maintenance is a challenge with or without surgical weight loss. Mr. Jackson is not the first person to struggle with weight control after gastric bypass and he will not be the last. I say kudos to the man! I hope his book makes real the struggles with weight control and healthy living. I hope it inspires others who may have struggled with weight control after surgical weight loss.

Take a look at the 5 Day Pouch Test message board in the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood - Randy Jackson is not the only person who still struggles with weight control after a surgical weight loss procedure.

Best to you Randy Jackson. I wish you splendid success with your forthcoming book and look forward to reading it.

What are your thoughts? Is Randy Jackson a qualified authority to write about fitness, diet and longevity?

And for those struggling with weight regain after weight loss surgery: Please visit the 5 Day Pouch Test website and learn a way to take control of your surgical tool.

Lip Gloss for Weight Loss?

Over at Daily Diet Blog Mike Howard brings forward obesity researcher Betty Kovacs and Self Magazine editor Erin Hobday collaborated article on ridiculous weight loss methods. Now, I've tried some crazy things in my day including a self-made cling-wrap body suit (didn't work) and the infamous cabbage soup diet. But nothing nearly as crazy as some of these: take a look and enjoy!

1. WEIGHT LOSS LIP GLOSS: Fuze Slenderize lip gloss promises to help shed pounds. By infusing chromium and L-carnitine into the gloss, the manufacturers believe (and are trying mightily have us believe) that this will curb cravings and boost energy.

2. AIR MAKES YOU FAT: A recent In Style story suggests that all those additional air bubbles you consume while chewing gum, taking big bites or sipping carbonated drinks fills your stomach with air. Until now it seemed that air was about the only thing that wasn't making us fat!

3. OVERNIGHT SKINNY CREAM: Better yet, lose while you snooze. The body balm Fatgirlsleep by Bliss promises to fight flab and diminish dimples overnight with a combo of red algae extract, moisture binders and their encapsulated "slenderiZZZe" complex. Kovacs and Hobday both agree though, that a good night's sleep is important in fighting the bulge.

4. SMELL DIET: Bath & Body Works Instant Aromatherapy Crave Relief claims that rolling on their fragrant grapefruit and sweet fennel essential oils will stave off hunger. "The only time I would use smell is if somebody was walking by a bakery, and they're smelling stuff," says Kovacs. "Put some lotion on your hands to replace the smell, not as a way to curb an appetite." This smells fishy to me.

5. BODY OIL: Another appetite controller, SLIMShots boasts its users eat up to 30% less a day. The single-serving shots of natural oat and palm oil are poured into your coffee, yogurt or cereal to make you feel full. I'm not sure how they came about those numbers, by I suspect is was not through the rigors of a double-blind, placebo study. You could use regular food choices to help you eat less. One's that don't sell for $80.

6. LOTION POTION: A couple of drops of Clarins Body Shaping Supplement streamlines your lotions and moisturizers with plant extracts and caffeine to add powerful shaping action to your skin-care routine. I have no idea what this has to do with weight loss and I don't know the first thing about skin care products.

7. CALORIE-BURNING DRINK: Enviga, Coca-Cola's sparkling green tea mixed with caffeine and antioxidants, claims that it's proven to boost metabolism and burn an extra 60 to 100 calories a day. "The one thing that can boost the metabolism is muscle," says Kovacs. Kovacs also noted this disclaimer on their website: "Weight loss requires a reduced calorie diet and regular exercise."

8. EATING IN THE DARK: Eating in a dark room encourages you to eat more, studies show. Distracted diners also tend to eat more, so turn off the TV and the radio, or you won't notice how much food you're shoveling in. The authors of this article actually concur with some of this as do I. I'm not sure about the dark room thing (how dark are we talking?) but being distracted certainly has some relevance. I don't know that I would count this one as a ridiculous idea - but I will think it's ridiculous if someone writes a book about it.

There is no shortage of ludicrous weight loss products out there. No doubt, many of these products will fly off the shelves because of what they claim to do - which is a shame.