If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again yet expecting different results, then everyone who made "lose weight" their New Year's resolution is probably insane.
A new study found that 7 out of 10 Americans will resolve to lose weight in the New Year even though most of them have tried and failed in the past. It makes sense though, because the study also found that nearly 80 percent of U.S. adults say they gain weight during the holidays.
The 2013 study conducted by USamp and released by The Dukan Diet found that 70 percent of Americans named losing weight as a resolution for 2014. Sixty-nine percent of the 1012 respondents said they had also made that resolution in the past. And 70 percent of those who failed in the past abandoned their resolutions by March.
When asked what would help them be successful this time, 62 percent of those polled cited a definitive diet plan, 70 percent said personalized coaching and 40 percent said a wider range of food choices.
These three things are part of the 2014 dieter's must-have list and experts agree they can make a difference between weight loss success and another year of failure.
A struggle Americans may have with New Year's weight loss resolutions is that they aim too high. If they do not see results as quickly as they want them, they get bored with healthy food, or they fall back into lazy habits when it comes to eating and exercising. The resolution goes out the window for another year.
Jacqueline B. Marcus, MS, RDN, LD, CNS, FADA, FAND, an internationally recognized nutrition adviser and author, believes support can be the key.
"To be successful with your weight loss resolutions, it’s critical to have a proven game plan with realistic goals, foods and beverages you’re excited to eat and drink, and a lifeline – a coaching resource to keep you on track, especially when motivation wanes.”
While there are many strategies to help achieve one's weight loss goals, Marcus recommends the Dukan Diet which emphasizes lean proteins and vegetables, oat bran and personalized coaching, among other things. She says whatever plan one chooses, it needs to set an appropriate weight loss goal, help change eating habits and include a coaching resource to get dieters through the rough times.
Some experts, like "Women Food and God" author Geneen Roth, believe that there should also be a certain level of acceptance about oneself and one's appearance, though that doesn't mean to throw in the towel and eat a whole cake. Roth was among the first to link compulsive overeating with deeply personal and spiritual issues that go beyond food, weight and body image.
She believes that worrying about one's weight won't change it. So don't worry! Instead of focusing on the deprivation that weight loss can bring, one should turn attention to the things one loves.
Starting the New Year with the idea of losing weight can be an ambitious but attainable goal. Marcus suggests focusing on being happier and healthier and having a positive approach, as opposed to zeroing in on a particular number of pounds to lose.
Roth would add that taking care of one's body should be done for the right reasons. Losing weight shouldn't be just for thinner thighs, but rather to take the best care of the vessel one has been given in this life.
Sources:
PRnewswire.com. Web. 13 December 2013. "Survey: 7 out of 10 Americans will resolve to lose weight in the New Year even though most have failed in previous attempts."
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/survey-7-of-10-americans-will-resolve-to-lose-weight-in-the-new-year---even-though-most-have-failed-in-previous-attempts-235576221.html
Dukandiet.com. Web. 7 January 2014. "Oat bran."
http://www.dukandiet.com/oat-bran
Oprah.com. Web. 7 January 2014. "Worrying About Your Weight Doesn't Help You Lose It."
http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Worrying-About-Weight-Doesnt-Help-You-Lose-It-Geneen-Roth/2#ixzz2ps0HJRYV
Reviewed January 9, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith