Dr. Danny Lee’s Blog

This is a short synopsis of a topic I covered in and interview for the Jumping Monkeys podcast ep. 65.

1. Diets alone never work. I am often amazed at how people will readily fall into the trap of the newest fad diet. Sure they lose weight but it almost always comes back and you put a few more pounds than when you started. So instead of dieting try EXERCISING first. Incorporating even moderate exercise to your daily routine will do more take away the pounds permanently.

2. Don’t weigh yourself. Instead get out a tape measure and measure your shoulders, arms circumference, waist, hips and thighs. When you are trying to lose the pounds it can be frustrating to see your scale show the same number even though your are losing fat. However if you are exercising you will be converting those fat cells into muscles cells and that will be reflected in a tape measure. Remember you are trying to lose FAT not pounds.

3. Keep a calorie count. Weight loss is simple. Calories going out has to be greater than calories going in. Recording what you eat and how many calories can be very illuminiating. Finding out where your short comings can help you stay on track. It will force you to learn to read labels and avoid those foods that are high in calories (and not necessarily filling). Own up to what you are eating. If you cheat on the diary then the only person you are cheating is yourself. This is not a test you will be handing in to your doctor. Be honest.

4. Find a friend. Medical reseach has found that people who start a weight loss program with a friend (or friends) are 3-5 times more likely to achieve significant weight loss. Misery loves company so why not find a companion.

5. Be patient. You did not put all your extra weight overnight so don’t expect to lose overnight either. Weight loss is a long term program. Even when you reach your goals that does NOT mean you go back to your old ways (lest your suffer the curse of the yo-yo). Find exercises you like doing. Find a diet plan containing a well rounded meal plan. This will help aid long term sucess.

Good Luck.