LifeSkills 3 Keys To Diabetes Prevention Success 1. Focus on Total Fat Not Total Calories In the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program we ask participants to focus on total daily intake of fat grams rather than focusing solely on calorie reduction. Eating 25 percent fewer calories is proven to be safe and effective and you can do this much easier when focusing on fat grams. The goal is to lose seven percent of body weight, which can reduce the chances of developing type II diabetes by more than 25 percent, which is much easier when you focus on a fat gram goal rather than a total calorie goal. It’s also more sustainable in the long run.
2. Keeping An Accurate Journal
Journaling is important for someone attempting to change their lifestyle because it gives them a benchmark of where they are now, what they’re eating and what they’re doing as far as activity and exercise. It helps participants be more aware of their surroundings, what foods they may need to reduce or eliminate and help them discover ways to stay within their daily goals. It also helps participants identify patterns such as emotional eating or eating when bored.
3. The Group Dynamic The Diabetes Prevention Program offers a group support structure that encourages and motivates participants to meet their goals. They support each other, share ideas with each other, and form friendships that last long after they have graduated. Participants also feel a sense of accountability and tend to work harder because they don’t let their fellow teammates down.
Felecia Fish is a certified Lifestyle & Weight Management Coach at YMCA Downtown.
November-December 2012 | YLife Birmingham | 5