Comments on: Success is mine this time!

By: Claire Behrens, LWMC

Claire Behrens, LWMC — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:09:43 +0000

I just returned from the American Society of Bariatric Physician’s conference that was held in Orange County, California. There is always so much great information shared and some of it can make a real difference in the way we approach our weight loss plan. One of the most important things I learned was that meal replacements can make a real difference in long-term weight loss success. (Meal replacements include liquid meals, meal bars and prepackaged meals. )
I was very surprised to learn that in a study comparing individuals on a reduced calorie diet to those who used meal replacements with at least one meal of regular food, those who did meal replacements had greater success. The study showed that 33% of the individuals on reduced-calorie diets lost and maintained 5% of their initial body weight compared to 74% who used meal replacements.
Most people using meal replacements are more successful than those who don’t. Why? Meal replacements are portion-controlled, simplify food decisions, have calorie accuracy, are convenient, have improved nutrition and taste good. They are also reasonably priced. In a recent study, dieters who used meal replacements actually reduced their overall food costs!
So what about the health benefits? Other health improvements associated with meal replacements were found in fasting glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides and insulin levels.

By: Claire Behrens, LWMC

Claire Behrens, LWMC — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:07:45 +0000

Firstly, make sure that the meals and snacks you plan are good for both you and your family. The whole family needs to learn how to eat well. Pick a time when the kids are in bed or plan something for the children to do that will give you some free time to write a list of quick and easy meals for the following week (this will make grocery shopping easier too). Save all your meal ideas for future use. Create a healthy snack list that you can post on your refridgerator of items that you can keep on hand. When I prepare meals during the week, I cook extra portions so that I can freeze some for future use.
Have you thought of exercising with your children? You could swim, hike and even play ball. You have to make time for your-self by planning a regular schedule of exercise that works for both you and your family and sticking to it. Make it a priority. Chances are if your family understands how important this is to you, they will support you. Consisitency is key and being determined to do it no matter what happens. Claire

By: TimefortheMom

TimefortheMom — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:53:09 +0000

I noticed this summer, I’m having a hard time planning healthy meals and snacks with my kids home for summer. Additionally, my regular exercise time always seem to get put last on the “to-do” list. It seems everyone and everything else comes first. It’s very frustrating. I know how much better I feel when I eat right and get regular exercise. I just can’t seem to be consistent. Last summer the same thing happened. I swore to myself I wouldn’t let it happen this year, but it did. The final straw is that I’ve gained almost 5 pounds because I’m not taking time to take care of myself. any ideas how I can keep myself on the family’s “to-do” list?

By: Dr. Thomas W. Clark

Dr. Thomas W. Clark — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:55:07 +0000

I would like to offer my congratulations on your weight loss as well and emphasize the importance of Claire’s comments to get back on track – you can do it! Unfortunately, relapses are inevitable in any weight loss plan but the important thing is to identify that you have relapsed, come to terms with it, and then take the steps to get back on the path to health and successful weight loss. Another thing that will be helpful is a podcast we just added today that identifies tips to overcome mindless eating as an “Unguided Grazer” personality trait (whether you have this trait or not, it is very helpful information). You can listen to it at http://cmhva.com/default/podcasts (podcast #16). Thank you for sharing your struggle. We look forward to seeing you at CMH and following your success.

By: Claire Behrens, LWMC

Claire Behrens, LWMC — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:05:13 +0000

First, congratulations on your weight loss of 20 lbs. That just shows that you can be successful losing weight! Keep that in mind while trying to take off those 6 lbs you have re-gained. It is important to fogive yourself for the few pounds that you have gained back and get back on track immediately. Use this as an opportunity to learn the cause of this slip-up in the first place (mindless eating) so that you can recognize the signs next time and take action. To prevent mindless eating at your desk, consider keeping your desk area as a snack-free zone. Chewing gum when you feel the urge to eat an unplanned snack can be really helpful. You might also consider keeping a bottle of water on your desk (flavored for a real treat – CMH has some wonderful flavors that also contain 15 grams of protein). Sipping through a straw can give you a real feeling of luxury. Don’t allow yourself to get hungry, so adhere to your planned meals and snacks. Remember that this is a lifestyle change and you are bound to hit “bumps in the road”. Don’t let it get to 6 pounds next time. Try taking action at 3 pounds and you will be less anxious. Give us a call to schedule another individualized counseling session for additional help. We look forward to hearing from you. You can do this. Good Luck!

By: yo yo dieter no more

yo yo dieter no more — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:13:59 +0000

Hi there! Can you help me? I have been following the CMH program and have lost 20 pounds (very exciting). However, with recent vacations, activities with the kids and work stress, I have regressed and started mindless eating habits again (and not eating what I know I should). I have gained 6 of the pounds back and it has scared me. I am going back on Dr. Clark’s jump start diet today but need some help for when I am tempted to eat mindlessly (especialloy while working at my desk).