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How Do I Lose Weight?
04/07/2006
One of the most frequent questions I am asked is "How can I lose weight?" There are two things you have to do to lose weight. They are simple but not easy. Diet and Exercise! That’s right ! Those are the only two things that work. A large institution spent a lot of money last year to prove that diets work. They decided that any diet would work as long as you stick with it ! (Yes, they spent a large amount of money to prove this.) So this month I am sending along my own diet called the "5 Finger Diet". There are 5 basics types of foods that you need to minimize or avoid. This is a low carbohydrate program, not "no carb" and is very safe long term. I kept it simple so print it and put it on the fridge. Keep a copy handy. Remember, changing your eating habits is a lifelong process. It takes practice and thought. Keep at it and make every bite count ! Five Finger Diet This diet is for people who are overweight or need to lose weight for health reasons such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. There are certain foods to be avoided completely. All other foods are allowed. No counting calories or weighing portions. Avoid: WHEAT – bread, tortillas, rolls, pancakes, biscuits, breading, crackers, pasta CORN – tortillas, cornmeal, whole, creamed or on the cob, grits RICE – white, brown, wild or mixes POTATOES – any type SUGAR – candy, corn syrup, soft drinks, fruit punch, glucose, sucrose, dextrose Now you are asking, "What can I eat?". Anything else! We have some ideas listed below. Breakfast – eggs, bacon, sausage, pork chops, ham, Wasa Crackers with peanut butter or cream cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt with no added sugar Lunch – cheese and meat rolled up, chicken or tuna or chef salad, vegetable soup (without potatoes or corn) Dinner – any meat, lots of vegetables, use plenty of seasoning Snacks – nuts, fruit, cheese, Wasa Rye crackers, pickles, olives, pork skins, club soda, diet soda, veges with Ranch dip Hints – don’t worry about fat or cholesterol content. Eat wisely and from different food groups. Check labels for additives such as cornstarch, corn syrup or sugar. Read labels for carbohydrate content as these can be hidden. Drink lots of water. We mistake hunger for thirst much of the time. This diet reduces cravings for sugar and carbohydrates. You won’t find yourself thinking about food all the time. If you slip up and eat something high in carbs, you’ll only find yourself craving more in an hour or two. It’s not worth it. When faced with temptation, picture yourself in a bathing suit and have a healthful snack instead! Next month we will have some exercise tips for you. Calling All Women !! Ladies, Women’s Night Out is April 19th at Harvey Convention Hall in Tyler from 4-8pm. If you have never been, it is a fun evening checking out the latest goods, information and services provided by local merchants. There is food, stage entertainment, exhibits, door prizes and other fun activities. Come visit the LifeTime Health Center booth for a free blood sugar or blood pressure check and information about bio-identical hormones. We hope to see you there!
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