Start Your Life, Not Your Diet

-by Shannon Collins

Some stats:


- 1 billion on the world's inhabitants are overweight 


- Globally, over 22 million children under the age of 5 are considered overweight


- Nearly 2/3 of Americans are overweight or obese


- 50% of American women and 25% of American men are currently on a diet


- America's top 3 killers are linked to obesity (heart disease, cancer, and stroke)


- American's spent $58 billion on weight loss products in 2007


- Over half of diet industry's claims are false


- There are 4 common behaviors found among those who achieved lasting weight loss (lost more than 30 lbs and kept it off for at least a year): they keep a food journal and monitor their weight; they never skip breakfast; they get an hour of exercise almost every day; and they eat diets consisting of 24% fat, 56% carbs and 19% lean protein.


(Sources: World Health Organization, National Geographic, American Diatetic Association, Federal Trade Commission, National Weight Control Registry)


Clearly weight management is a critical issue for all of us. Whether we are trying to maintain our current weight or lose weight, we are all impacted by these statistics. There is no "quick fix"!!! It is not about being on a diet, it is about lifestyle. I love the last study that revealed the four common behaviors among those who achieved lasting weight loss. It is so simple, but requires patience and dedication. I would venture to add one more thing to that list... SUPPORT! Find support somewhere - a workout buddy, spouse, friend, online community, Weight Watchers, etc... Surround yourself with like-minded people that can provide accountability, motivation, support and encouragement. 


Where are you on your journey? Are you currently trying out the latest "fad" diet? Or are you working toward creating lasting lifestyle changes that you can hold on to for the long term? We can each work it differently! That is the beauty of it! Forget about dieting. Find what works for you and start your life, not your diet!