ASK THE "DON'T DIET" DOCTOR

Dear Dr. Dorie: 
I always set a New Year's resolution to lose weight, but I am tired of following restrictive diets and losing weight only to regain again.  Do you have a solution?
- No More Diets

Dear No More Diets: 
It is estimated that 46 million Americans start a new diet every year, but 95% of dieters regain any weight they may lose.  Sixty percent of Americans are considered overweight, and on the other extreme, approximately 10 million Americans have severe eating disorders.  Diets, weight loss drugs, and other 'weight loss games' can slow metabolism, compromise health, and lead to obsessive thought patterns about eating and exercise.

This year, change the way you think about weight issues, and change your whole life.  You don't have to diet, count calories, endure grueling exercise regimens or follow special meals plans to reach your goals.  Is weight loss what you really want, or do you want more than just to be 'thin enough'?  Ask yourself, 'What do I think weight loss will bring me?'  This will give you insight into your real goals, such as improved health, enhanced happiness, or increased self-confidence.

Think about the 'big picture' as well.  Consider your goals in other areas of your life, such as improved relationships with others, enhanced career satisfaction, or a greater spiritual connection.  Take the emphasis away from weight control and focus instead on making your real goals a reality.

Imagine what your life would be like, living as if you have already reached your goals.  What, when, why and how much would you eat?  What would your activity levels be like?  How would you spend your time?  What else would be different in your life?  Can you take steps towards living in this way, right now, today?  If you learn how to reach your true goals, your weight problem will resolve itself.

This diet-free approach may seem too unstructured for you.  However, this is only because you have become used to the overly structured methods of traditional weight control.  People without weight problems live without such structure; learn from their diet-free success.  If you need some structure, you can create this by keeping a journal of your progress and by planning new strategies to help you move forward.

You can make 2006 your healthiest, happiest year ever.  Discover the joy of living diet-free:  move beyond weight control and focus instead on your true goals.

© 2006 Dr. Dorie McCubbrey, all rights reserved.  As one of America's leading experts on obesity and eating disorders, Dr. Dorie is the author of How Much Does Your Soul Weigh? (HarperCollins, 2003).  Visit www.DrDorie.com for more diet-free solutions to your food, weight and body worries.

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