V I VA
/
h e a lt h
Keeping it You’ve lost the weight, now find out how to make sure it stays off – for good!
off
By christine davis, B. Sc., ND
52
photo: sarah orbanic
Please consult your health-care practitioner for any health concerns.
Y
ou’ve done it! You’ve lost weight. You’ve logged hours at the gym, meticulously watched your calories and finally achieved your goal. You’re ecstatic! Now you can lead the life you’ve always wanted, happy and free from weight woes… or can you? Studies show most diets fail, not in their ability to achieve weight loss – in their ability to sustain it. Many people refer to this phenomenon as yo-yo dieting, resulting in a constant on and off again diet plan. Why is it easier to lose weight than to keep it off ? The most obvious explanation is that most people resort to their old diet and exercise habits after the pressure is off. People are generally able to adopt behavioral changes, such as restricting food intake and long grueling hours on the treadmill, in the short term, but have a harder time sustaining these changes. Another important factor in sustaining weight loss is lack of physical activity. Studies show diets alone may be successful at realizing an ideal weight – those accompanied by exercise are more likely to keep the weight off. I believe a large part of this is due to the change in lifestyle that results from physical activity. Instead of approaching a weight-loss regimen as a “diet,” it’s better to approach it as a “lifestyle change.” You want to adopt healthy behaviors that you actually like. Choose exercises you enjoy and you’ll have a much better chance of forming a habit out of it. The same philosophy applies to foods. Instead of focusing on restrictions, adopt new dietary patterns you can relish. Try new foods like quinoa or kale. Experiment with new recipes and always keep a variety of foods in your diet. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be
vivamagonline.com / weight-loss 2014
Ideal Body Weight4.indd 52
2013-12-17 1:45 PM