Newsletter

March, 2009

Message from Dr. Clark:

The focus of our March, 2009 newsletter is Common Barriers to Weight Loss and How to Overcome Them.  We all have the best intentions and then something happens…we become stressed, we become fearful of success or failure, we run out of time, we receive negative feedback from a colleague or loved one, we experience pain (emotional or physical), we are depressed, we feel overwhelmed, we aren’t sure what to do…whatever the reason, we end up at the same weight or perhaps even at a higher weight as days, weeks and months pass us by.  It is frustrating to say the least! 

Our role at CMH is to help you identify your barriers, prepare a successful plan to overcome them and help you develop a proactive approach to weight loss so that you aren’t derailed the next time “something happens”.  You don’t have to do it alone and you shouldn’t.  The people who lose weight and successfully keep it off do it with a professional and a buddy who helps to keep them on track and celebrate their successes along the way (not sabotage their efforts).  Share your barriers with us (support@centerformetabolichealth.com) and we will address them directly with you and/or use them in one of our website articles or in a future newsletter so we can help others at the same time. 

Warmer weather is around the corner.  Let us help you feel your best this spring – physically and emotionally.  Make sure you are attending your weekly lifestyle education and fitness class.  Also, make sure you have your next appointment scheduled so you can make the most of your program at CMH! 

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, Penny and Sybille Share Their Expertise About Overcoming Barriers to Weight Loss

“I’ve lost weight before and gained it back.  Why should I try again?

Many people have struggled to lose weight more than once and become very discouraged when they gain some or all of their weight back.  Make this time different.  Remember that some of the greatest achievements in life took several failed efforts before experiencing success!  You learn something from every experience.  Ask yourself what worked and what didn’t work last time and what can you do differently this time to improve results.

There are several tools that can improve your chances of success.  Keeping a journal is a must.  Writing down everything that you eat and the circumstances involved makes you aware of your choices.  You need to learn where your problem areas are in order to make the necessary changes.  A pedometer is another great tool because it measures the steps that you take on a daily basis and motivates you to move more.  Remember to take one day at a time and sometimes just one meal at a time.  Persistence reaps its rewards.  Don’t ever give up trying.

There is more…turn the page!

“Eating less often will speed up my weight loss…especially if I skip breakfast”

Individuals trying to lose weight often think the less often they eat, the quicker the pounds will melt away.  Unfortunately, this diet myth has become a common misconception.  Your body is like a fire…the more fuel you add to it…the more active it becomes.  So, the more often you make your body work to digest foods for energy, the more active your metabolism will be.  A high metabolism equals more calories burned during the day, which means quicker weight loss.  The key is to eat five or six small meals throughout the day, instead of just three.  You can get these in by eating your three standard meals and three healthy snacks.  Because you are eating more often, keep your meals a little smaller than normal.  Be sure to get in plenty of protein every time you eat to maintain your lean muscle mass and to keep your stomach satisfied.

The most important meal to remember to eat is breakfast.  Eating breakfast first thing in the morning will jump start your metabolism for the day and keep your body from breaking down your lean muscle mass to fuel itself.  Aim for at least 30 grams of protein in the morning.

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!