HOME

ABOUT QVHD

COMMUNITY

ENVIRONMENTAL

MOM'S CLINIC

RESOURCES

Shedding Those Unwanted Pounds!

Rice, water, grapefruit, Atkins, Weight Watchers, Nutrisystems, Dr.Phil, glycemic index, low-carbs, South Beach…all share something in common. They are all types of diets that have enjoyed great popularity at one time or another. So what is the latest and greatest diet of 2007? Has the diet or weight loss product appeared that will dissolve away our fat and cellulite? If you listen to the advertising promotions on the radio, television and internet, you would swear that there are miracle products out there. These ads tug at your heartstrings as you struggle to shed those unhealthy pounds. These ads are particularly in abundance at this time of the year, following the "holiday eating syndrome" and the New Year's resolutions.

Any diet that restricts calories will eventually lead to a weight loss. However, it isn't just about losing weight; it is also about maintaining the weight loss. Therefore, the most sensible diets are those that provide a variety of foods and a food plan that you can stick with. For example, Weight Watchers includes foods from all food groups. There is no one "magic" ingredient or food that you have to eat. It is about balance and calorie restriction.

Secondly, you need to remember that you did not put on extra pounds overnight. When you are motivated to diet, you want results quicker you're your body can deliver. Some diets (like the original Atkins) may yield more rapid weight losses, but it is fairly common for people to gain pounds back when they resume normal eating. Besides, it really is not a healthy approach to dieting when you eliminate fruit and vegetables from your diet.

Good carbs? Bad carbs? Is it really just about carbs? Although the marketing would lead you to believe this, the answer appears to be "no." The most conclusive evidence about weight loss is that in order to effectively lose weight, a person must cut back on caloric intake and increase physical activity. Those two mainstays can be put into action in many different diet plans, with the difference being the mode (foods) through which calories are cut. Including foods that provide the variety of nutrients a body needs is overall going to be a better diet. And the research on fiber indicates that it is important to have a diet that includes a fair amount of fiber.

Nutrition Action (January/February 2004) has done a profile of diet books currently on the market. It is a very good article that briefly reviews these plans. While it does not recommend one over the other, it does support the premise of The South Beach Diet, not because of the rapidity of weight loss, but because it recommends healthy foods in a healthy eating plan.

Remember, many factors go into dieting. You must work with a plan that is healthy and has sustainability (one you can stick with!) Furthermore, the physical activity portion appears to be a huge factor in weight loss success.

When it comes to all of the weight loss supplements and pills/powders/creams, buyer beware! There has yet to be any product on the market that will "melt" away your fat. If you read the fine print on many products, it says "used in conjunction with a weight loss diet plan and exercise." When a "miracle" product arrives on the market, you can be sure you will read about it here! But until that time, despite your desperation to lose weight, it is only through the hard work of caloric restriction and exercise that you will be successful in losing weight. So instead of buying worthless products, save your money to buy the new clothes you will need when you do shed those pounds.

For a free reprint of the diet comparison article and some other educational materials on weight loss, District residents (Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) can call QVHD, 203.248.4528. Or you can request information online or through email, dculligan@qvhd.org

Quinnipiack Valley Health District
1151 Hartford Turnpike
North Haven, CT 06473

Phone. (203)248-4528
Fax. (203)248-6671
E-Mail. info@qvhd.org