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education—just a little bit

August 8, 2011 - 0 Comments »

Hi to all of our blog readers.  This is Dr. Balda, filling in for Dr. Posner in the blog and the office this week.  I apologize for the late posting but I was given late notice that today's blog needed to be done.  I would like to take this opportunity to give some basic science information that most of you may already know.  However, it is a very important reminder for all of us.  The basic premise of weight loss is that we must burn more calories than we consume to lose weight.  3500 calories equals about one pound of fat.  Calories are more than those tasty little numbers in our foods.  They are actually a measure of energy in the foods we eat.  If we eat more calories than out bodies are able to burn, the additional calories are stored as fat.  Conversely, if we burn off more calories than we consume, we can lose fat.  To lose one pound per week, we must burn 500 more calories each day that we consume.  (500×7=3500=1 pound) 
Here is a math problem for all of us.  If it takes me about one hour of running to burn 600 calories, and it takes me about 7 minutes to eat two of my sister's chocolate chip cookies (at 300 calories each), how long must I run to burn off the calories from 21 minutes of non-stop cookie indulgence?  The answer is 3 hours. 
I somehow did not find 3 hours to run today!  The key to balancing a healthy weight for the long haul is understanding your caloric needs and being brutally honest with yourself about the calories that you take in.
The main point here is 1 pound=3500 calories.  I'll talk more about pounds and calories tomorrow.  Thanks for listening.
LB
 

The Serotonin-Plus Weight Loss Clinic Blog: Having Fun

August 6, 2011 - 0 Comments »

What does “having fun” mean to us?  Obviously this varies depending oin the person.  Some people love opera, some are bored by it.  Some (hmmm…Posner???) can sit in front of NFL football on Sundays for hours and others think that is a waste of precious time.  However, when it comes to eating I think there is universal agreement that this is a really fun activity. Depriving ourselves of alcohol and high-caloric foods is not thought of as “fun” by anyone.  This is one of the factors that make losing weight very difficult   There is nothing “fun” about the process.  What is “fun” are the numberous benefits of weight loss..looking younger, wearing nicer clothes, getting lots of positive attention..all of these are fun.  Prioritize your “fun” an make the long term gratification fun much more important than thre short term “fun” of eating high caloric foods.

The Serotonin-Plus Weight Loss Clinic Blog Impacting Others

August 5, 2011 - 0 Comments »

Not to put anymore pressure in you, but your successful weight loss efforts will serve as an inspiration and driving force for others.  Do you remember that movie with Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt, “Pay It Forward”?  The premise was that a person who had a good deed done to them should not pay it back to the person who doid thr good deed but rather do good deeds for three other people and those three other people are supposed to do good deeds for three other people etc etc.  In the case of your successful weight loss efforts, spouses, family, friends coworkers etc may be inspired by your efforts and then proceeed to lose weight, inspiring others in turn.  A whole lot of people can live better and healthier lives because of your efforts.  Sorry for the extra presssure!!!

The Serotonin-Plus Weight Loss Center Blog Evening Challenges

August 4, 2011 - 0 Comments »

A favorite American pastime for many is sitting in front of a tv after dinner, watching a favorite show or sporting event and eating yummy snack foods…popcorn, ice cream, chips, etc.  These food sources will derail your weight loss effortsd.  Moreover, this eating is done in a distracted mode which leads to more and more calories being consummed.
Obligate yourself to NOT give in to this behavior pattern.  Chomp on carrot sticks, no calorie ice bars etc.

The Serotonin-Plus Weight Loss Clinic Blog Compelling changes

August 3, 2011 - 0 Comments »

Earlier this week I had one of our patients come in who has lost over 90 pounds.  She brought in a picture of herself and the changes “before” and “after” were extraordinary.  Obviously she looks now decades younger, healthier and most certainly happier.  She keeps several pictures around of herself at the obese weight as a reminder.  Your weight loss efforts will result in a life altering change in many positive ways.  The food sources that got you in trouble are not “comfort”, “sweets” or “goodies”…they are hurtful things that can maim you and destroy your self-esteem.  Make the right choices.