Let's Get Real

One of the biggest challenges to reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, balanced lifestyle and positive life outlook is the over-abundance of unrealistic solutions that we have to choose from. This month, I offer you a reality check to give you some food for thought as we transition from Summer to Fall.

Welcome to the facts:
The worldwide incidence of obesity is increasing. In fact a new word - "globesity" has now been coined to reflect the escalation of global obesity and overweight. Obesity is making the headlines in every state of America. Current statistics place 64 percent of the American adult population within some definition of obesity, from overweight to morbid obesity and 47% of the Canadian adult population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), if immediate action is not taken, millions will suffer from an array of serious weight-related health issues and disorders.

Here’s the challenge:
With a booming $30 billion diet industry that is clearly in much better shape than the market it serves, one must ask how well it is actually helping to reverse the “globesity” trend. Research has shown 95% of those who lose weight by following what the fad, gimmick and diet pill companies have to offer, eventually gain it back within three years. Beyond three years that failure rate is even worse. The problem is that the weight loss industry is failing people by telling them what they want to hear – that losing weight is as easy as 1-2-3. The truth is that to lose weight and keep it off takes a consistent and conscious commitment to healthy living practices for a lifetime.

The good news:
The good news is that people are starting to wake up. Trend Forecaster Gerald Celente is predicting a turn away from the "strictly weight loss diet book" and a move toward what he calls "whole health" eating -- diets that not only help us lose weight, but live a healthier lifestyle.” Celente, publisher of The Trends Journal and director of TrendsResearch.com, says “We will focus our attention on those plans that provide us with 'recipes' for staying healthy in mind, body and spirit”.

A “REAL” solution
In light of this rising trend toward a more “whole health” approach, I recommend the following 3 main solutions:

Stop dieting: Results achieved by restrictive diets are short-lived, thereby creating an endless cycle of weight loss followed by weight gain. This is too unhealthy not only physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually as well.
Take responsibility: Take full responsibility and be accountable for all your food, health and lifestyle choices. Consider your options in all situations, no matter how difficult or tempting, and choose wisely.

Lighten up: A lighter, kinder and more forgiving attitude toward yourself, others and the world around you will help you manage stress better without always turning to food for comfort.
If these suggestions seem difficult to do, then an added solution is to reach out for expert guidance and support to help you every step of the weigh.

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Roslyn Franken is a proud cancer survivor and acclaimed author of The A List: 9 Guiding Principles for Healthy Eating and Positive Living and Death Can Wait: Stories from Cancer Survivors. She is a motivational speaker and host of the How to Thrive after 35 internet radio show. Roslyn also offers one-on-one counseling by telephone and email conveniently accessible world-wide. For more information, send email to info@roslynfranken.com or visit http://www.roslynfranken.com/.