Dare to be Different

Trying to lose weight (or at least talking about trying to lose weight) is a popular thing to do. It’s culturally acceptable and even socially obligatory to be dissatisfied with the size and shape or your body.  One client recently said to me “I feel like a freak because I’m the only grad student NOT on a diet.”  Say WHAT!?!

On the daily, you’ll see diets being advertised and sold with a vengeance.  If you have been reading my blog and don’t already believe me when Isay diets don’t work, check out this stellar post by rock star dietitian Evelyn Tribole.  She nails it with research and practical advice.

So you may be asking, what does work?  It’s not sexy, but slow/sustainable changes you can manage over a lifetime does work.  In fact, mybrother said it best as we were enjoying some cinnamon rolls over the holidays. “So Marci, what you are talking about on your blog is eating one of thesecinnamon rolls, rather than skipping it or eating three?”  You’ve got it!

So here are some more specific strategies to get you started:
1.) Start listening to your body. You can use this scale as a guide.  Notice how often you are in the white zone.  Strive to steer clear of that zone as often as possible.
2.) Prioritize your health by committing to at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Learn more about how sleep affects your weight here.
3.) Move in ways you genuinely enjoy and NEVER with the intention of providing pain or punishment. (Here’s my article about falling in like with exercise)

So dare to be different by letting go of body and weight obsessions.  Dare to be different by taking care of yourself, trusting that as you do so,a healthy body will naturally follow.  Dare to be different…and you just may find a much happier and healthier you.

Your very different dietitian in Cambridge
Marci