D.R.E.S.S. for Success!

Does losing weight make your list of New Year’s resolutions?  D.R.E.S.S. for Success has nothing to do with your wardrobe.  It is an acronym for a strategy to lose weight.

 DIET

 The most important strategy for weight loss is diet. Make sure that any diet plan you choose to follow is nutritionally sound.  It should include a healthy combination of vegetables, fruits, lean protein and complex carbohydrates.  People often ask me which is the best diet.  My answer?  The one that you can stick with!  If a diet plan involves purchasing expensive pre-packaged foods and you have a limited budget, you may want to consider something else.  Check with your doctor before you start any eating plan especially if you have any known medical issues.

 REST

 Did you know that a good night’s sleep can help you lose weight?  Recent medical studies suggest that sleep deprivation can actually increase your appetite for calorie-dense foods and contribute to obesity!  Most of us need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.

 EXERCISE

 Move it or lose it!  Exercise burns calories, boosts your metabolism, improves cardiovascular health and promotes a feeling of well-being.  The goal is to get your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes, 4 to 5 days a week.  And definitely check with your doctor before embarking on any exercise program, especially if you haven’t worked out in a while or are over the age of 40.

 STRESS MANAGEMENT

 Are you an emotional eater?  Following a diet can be especially challenging for the emotional eater because diets don’t address the reasons why we overeat in the first place.  

 Look for healthier ways to manage your stress level.  Get involved in activities or hobbies that give you pleasure.  Take an exercise class.  Try massage therapy.  Devote more time to your spiritual practice.

 SOCIAL

 Humans are social animals and need community to thrive.  Find a weight loss buddy who will support and join your efforts.  Identify and avoid those individuals who may try to sabotage you.

 I know weight loss is hard because I struggle with it myself.  If it were easy, there wouldn’t be a billion dollar diet industry trying to convince you to buy their products.  But just because it’s difficult doesn’t mean we can afford to give up.  Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways that you can protect your health.