How many of you have made your New Year’s Resolution to improve your diet and start an exercise program.  In fact, January is the most popular month to join fitness center or spa for the first time.  We all are concerned about our health and fitness.  But yet one-third of the population is medically obese.  It is common knowledge that obesity can lead to various health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.  Furthermore, it is less likely for someone with a weight problem to work out, which contributes to our declining fitness as a population. In order to achieve the highest fitness level it is important to learn ways to eat smart and make the needed lifestyle changes.

1. The body is in a constant battle to maintain balance or homeostasis.  Because most weight loss programs use stimulants, the body will eventually adjust to the stimulants, requiring more stimulants to get the same benefit. Finally, the stimulants lose their effectiveness altogether causing a plateau.
   

2. If weight loss is achieved by extreme measures such as eating very limited calories and/or taking diet aids or appetite suppressants, it is highly likely that the weight will be regained within 3-5 years.  Extreme deprivation can lead to overeating and bingeing when the diet is over.
   

3. As the body burns fat, it releases toxins stored in the fat.  Toxins put stress on every system of the body that can result in fatigue, depression, increased appetite and the onset of illness.  The body can only cope with so much stress from these toxins.  So to protect itself, it may cause a plateau and shut down the fat burning process.
   

4. Many diets that people choose today are not meeting the required daily intake (RDI) of essential vitamins and minerals.  These essential vitamins and minerals act as catalysts for the metabolic system and without them you sabotage your weight loss efforts.  If you deprive your body of these nutrients you may suffer fatigue or onset of illness.  The body increases your appetite and makes you eat until you get these missing nutrients.  In many cases, the body still does not get the nutrients it needs and the cravings continue.  This cycle may lead to more weight gain.
   

5. The low-fat or non-fat foods are not as healthy for our diets as claimed by the food industry.  Many people eat more of the low fat foods because of the belief that there are fewer calories.  In fact, sugar is added to make up for the reduced fat.  Most people think that fat is the culprit, but sweeteners can be more damaging to our bodies.

If you would like more information regarding this topic, please call the Civilian Employee Assistance Program Counseling and Referral Service (CEAP C/RS) at (202) 433-0087 or outside the local dialing area you may use 1-800-995-9791.