Recently over lunch, a woman confided in me her depression about being overweight. She asked what I might suggest to help her slim down and stay fit. I asked “what do you normally eat?”
She replied that a bowl of ice cream is standard breakfast fare along with a small square of chocolate. I added that up to about 420 calories. Lunch, approximately 1400 calories, typically consists of a Marie Calendar’s frozen dinner and half a cheesecake followed later by five spoons of ice cream for a 150 calorie afternoon snack. A typical 1200 calorie dinner might include two Jack-in-the-Box tacos followed by the other half of the leftover lunchtime cheesecake. All of this for a total daily intake of around 3170 calories, which is almost 1700 calories more than necessary for her body type, height, and age. She was clueless to the caloric intake she had been ingesting.
As I drew back in amazement of her food choices, she thought for a moment and asked what changes I would suggest. Looking at her I said “everything. They are all poison for your body. The items that you have been consuming are not just junk and high in calories, but toxic to your body. I strongly suggest taking the money you spend on processed foods and instead buy fruits and vegetables. Start by finding someone to help like Weight Watchers. It is a healthy program that teaches us how to make better choices. They also offer moral support in helping you reach your goals.” She smiled as if I had told her a great secret and departed with a newfound sense of excitement and hope.
This is so easy for people to figure out on their own with common sense. When your weight is growing or stagnating, adjust your diet. You may need to micromanage your diet by keeping track of calories and ceasing to consume food when your limit is reached. By doing this, your weight will improve greatly and so will your overall health.
