ASK THE "DON'T DIET" DOCTOR

Dear Dr. Dorie: 
I have 20 pounds that I am trying to lose.  I am looking for a way to lose this weight and keep it off.  What do you recommend?
- Wanting to Lose

Dear Wanting to Lose: 
The answers that you seek are not in any diet, weight loss pill or special formula.  Diets and other weight loss methods are often just a "band aid" over the problem, because these attempts to control weight fail to address the real cause of weight issues.  To be successful, you need to let go of all the "weight loss hype" and "diet mentality thinking."

I remember being very frustrated with my weight and searching for a lasting solution.  That solution came for me when I stopped trying to lose weight -- and focused instead on my true goals:  improved health, increased self-confidence, enhanced energy, overall happiness and an ability to get more out of life.

To make this solution work for you, there are two steps to follow.  First, you need to identify your true goals.  Move beyond the number on the scale and ask yourself, "What do I really want?"  Get a clear picture of these goals, and see yourself achieving them.

Second, stay focused on your true goals and let your weight problem take care of itself.  If health is one of your goals, identify small steps that you can take to live in more healthful ways, starting today.

Make realistic changes in your lifestyle that you are willing to stick with for the rest of your life.  Don't fool yourself into thinking, "I'll work hard at this until I lose the weight, then I'll slow down a bit."  Instead, start slow and build up to levels that you can maintain well into the future.  This is a major key to long-term success!

For example, you might decide that you'd like to be more active.  Take a small step today towards making activity a regular part of your lifestyle.  Start by taking an easy walk around the block and slowly increase your activity, making sure you are keeping the activity enjoyable.

Remember, the solution is to let go of your weight loss goal and instead focus on what you really want.  Let your weight problem be solved by achieving 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.

Please share this diet-free solution with others!  This article may be reproduced in print or online, but only in its entirety along with copyright and website information as listed above.  READ MORE ARTICLES