We all know the story. We want to lose weight, start a diet, lose a few
pounds and then eventually gain the weight back again. Magazines, newspapers,
radio, television and websites bombard us with weight-loss program options,
but how can you tell what plans are safe and right for you?
Long-term weight control should focus on your overall health and not just
on diet. Developing healthy habits may help in keeping weight off, but
it isn’t always easy to change your lifestyle.
Carmen Krail of Tickfaw fought this familiar battle. “My weight has
been an issue for me over the past 8 years,” she explains. “I
have tried to lose weight on my own, but have not been successful.”
With added weight, Carmen developed high blood sugar and had to begin taking
medication to control it. She found it difficult to exercise and had little
energy. A busy nurse, wife, mother and grandmother, it wasn’t always
easy for her to stick to a plan on her own. When her own diet attempts
didn’t help, Carmen decided to consider a weight-loss program to
assist her.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, here’s a three-step
plan that can help you win the weight-loss battle.
1. Talk with your doctor.
A great place to start your weight loss program is a visit with your doctor.
He or she will review your medical history and help you set appropriate
goals for weight loss, as well as exercise and activity levels that are
right for you.
2. Do the Research.
When evaluating your options for weight loss programs, look for a program
that promotes healthy behaviors to assist in weight loss and keeps you
focused on realistic goals. A slow and steady weight-loss goal—usually
½ to 2 pounds per week—is a good measure. An effective weight-loss
program will include ways to help keep the weight off once it’s
lost. Ongoing monitoring, feedback and support throughout your journey
also should be offered.
“I had heard some testimonials about the Ideal Protein plan,”
Carmen shares. “Since so many people I knew had been successful
with it, I decided it was the program I wanted to try. When North Oaks
began to offer it, I signed up right away!”
Ideal You at North Oaks is an independent, authorized clinic for Ideal Protein, a medically developed
weight-loss program that can help you make smarter eating choices and
keep the pounds off. A registered dietitian provides coaching through
all phases of the program to document weekly progress and keep motivation
high with:
- Weekly weigh-ins and body measurements
- Education on eating right to maintain your goal weight
- Grocery store tours to learn healthy shopping habits
- Quarterly cooking demonstrations to give your diet variety.
3. Have a long-term strategy.
Carmen found the Ideal Protein program easy to follow and stick to for
the long-term, and she has lost more than 50 pounds. The monitoring and
support has been key in her success. “Rebecca, the dietitian, is
always encouraging and supportive, and I began seeing results immediately.
My experience has been wonderful.”
“It’s not just about losing weight, but also being healthy,”
Carmen points out. “I have more energy, and I’ve been able
to restart an exercise program since it’s so much easier at this
point. I no longer need medication to control my blood sugar. I feel so
much better overall since losing weight.
Are you ready to start your weight loss journey?
If you need a physician to guide you, check out our
“Find A Physician” tool or call the North Oaks Physician Referral Information Line at (985)
230-DOCS [3627]. Click to learn more about
Ideal You at North Oaks or call (985) 230-1880.