Newsletter

February, 2009

Message from Dr. Clark:

Long term weight loss involves dieting from the inside out!  I hate to disappoint anyone but what I mean is that there is simply no “quick fix” treatment or miraculous medication that will result in sustained weight loss success (no matter what you see on TV or the internet).  Those who want long term weight loss success must spend some time analyzing a few things going on inside their brain which ultimately affects their behavior.   These things include why they want to lose weight (benefits), what prevents them from being successful (barriers), and how committed they are to following a plan for long term success.   

The reason CMH was created in the first place was to provide a single location, filled with dedicated weight loss and fitness experts who provide the myriad of services necessary for long term weight loss success.  Our role is to help you diet from the inside out.  We want you to understand your body, your metabolism, your desires, your fears, your healthy behaviors, your unhealthy behaviors, your emotional/educational/physical barriers to success, and empower you with the knowledge and skills to overcome and conquer your weight issues once and for all.  We are passionate about what we do and we want to help you!

The main components include diet, behavior/lifestyle and fitness or physical activity.  You can have short term success with one of these components but true long term success can be attained only when you combine all three.  For loss of pounds on the scale, diet is the most important aspect.  For long term success, behavior modification and fitness or physical activity are key.

Once you join the CMH program, I highly recommend that you take advantage of all the services available to you.  Let us help you identify your particular benefits of weight loss and your particular barriers to success.  Let us also help you determine goals that are individualized and attainable.  Let us be your safety net for success through individualized counseling, group support and exercise classes and personal training.  As our online services and support unfold, let those be of assistance to you as well.  Invest in yourself, believe in yourself and we will be with you every step of the way.   

Say it Out Loud…Success is Mine This Time!

If there are particular topics you would like to see addressed in our monthly newsletter, please submit them to support@centerformetabolichealth.com  We value your input, your ideas and your feedback!
Claire’s Corner…

It may be hard to imagine, but there will come a time when we congratulate you on reaching your goal weight and beginning the next phase of your program.  This transitional phase will take you anywhere between 4-8 weeks.  This transition allows your body to ease its way to maintenance by gradually increasing the carbohydrates in your diet.  You will discover your carbohydrate tolerance level and continue to maintain adequate protein and consume healthy fats.  Helpful information includes the following:

ü     Continue to attend the Lifestyle Education and Group Exercise classes.  Stay active in your daily living and continue to check your steps periodically.

ü     It is still exceptionally important to keep a journal documenting your meals, snacks, fluid and dietary intake.  Research has shown that you will be four more times likely to succeed if you put everything in writing.

ü     Take the supplements recommended for this phase of the program.

ü     Try to make your carbohydrate choice worthwhile by adding vegetables, some fruits and small servings of whole grains.  Still try to distribute your carbohydrate content fairly evenly throughout the day.  You may want to simply add a small serving of a carbohydrate food to meals that you had during your weight loss phase.

ü     Your protein requirement is the sum of your lean body pounds divided by 2.  Select a protein food to be the main part of your meal depending upon your protein requirement for the day.

ü     Snacking is still appropriate but concentrate on protein snack foods.

ü     Continue to drink 8 glasses of water daily

ü     Add on more individualized counseling sessions at CMH as necessary and be sure to let us know if you have questions!

ü     Plan, plan, plan!

Upcoming Healthy Living and Fitness Classes…Don’t miss them!

Pre-registration is required – call 757.873.1880 or visit www.CenterForMetabolicHealth.com to register!