Blog

Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin, MD, MBA just released her first position paper, calling for a nationwide grassroots effort at the neighborhood level to address the obesity epidemic. Her paper can be found here.

Here's a sample of her suggestions for creating Individual Healthy Choices and Healthy Home Environments:

• Reduce consumption of sodas and juices with added sugars.  
• Reduce consumption of energy dense foods that primarily contain added sugars or solid fats.  
• Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. 
• Control your portions. 
• Drink more water. 
• Choose low-fat or non-fat dairy products. 
• Limit television viewing time and consider keeping televisions out of children’s rooms. 
• Become more physically active throughout the day. 
• Breastfeed exclusively for 6 months.

Sounds like everything I discuss with my clients!

Many people are successful at losing weight, yet very unsuccessful at keeping the weight off. Most people that lose weight manage to gain the weight back and then some. So how do people become successful losers? Well, the researchers involved with the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) set out to find some answers to this and other questions. 

The NWCR includes individuals who are at least 18 years old, have lost a minimum of 30 lbs, and have maintained their weight loss for at least one year. Over 4,000 people are included in the registry. The registrants have lost from 30 to 300 lbs and have maintained their weight loss from 1 to 66 years!

So, what's the secret to their success?

• 55% lost weight with the help of some type of program
• 98% modified their food intake in some way to lose weight
• 94% increased their physical activity, reporting walking as the most common activity
• 89% used both diet and physical activity to lose weight; only 10% used diet alone, and 1% used exercise alone. 

Four types of behavior common among the NWCR participants:

1. Eating a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet
2. Eating breakfast almost every day
3. Frequent self-monitoring of weight (at least once per week)
4. Participation in a high level of physical activity (60-90 minutes of moderate-intensity activity daily)

What has been learned about successful weight loss and maintenance? In sum, A life-long eating plan for good health, which includes nutritionally adequate eating, reasonable expectations, regular physical activity, and permanent lifestyle changes, is best for achieving permanent weight loss. 

Sports Dietitians provide individual and group/team nutrition counseling and education to enhance the performance of competitive and recreational athletes, on-site and during travel. Primary responsibilities include counseling individuals and groups on daily nutrition for performance and health; translating the latest scientific evidence into practical sports nutrition recommendations; tracking and documenting outcomes of nutrition services, serving as a food and nutrition resource for coaches, trainers, and parents; providing sports nutrition education for health/wellness programs, athletic teams, and community groups; and maintaining professional competency and skills required for professional practice.

Click here to view a video about the value of Sports RDs. 

Are you unhappy with your current body weight? If so, then register for our weight management package. The package includes two fundamental 90-minute group sessions on 2/13 and 2/20 PLUS three 30-minute individual follow-up sessions with the dietitian (to be scheduled at your convenience). Act fast, space is limited! 

Basics of Weight Loss: Saturday, February 13th from 9:00am to 10:30am

• It’s not just calories
• Become an intuitive eater
• How much exercise is enough?

Everyday Meal Planning: Saturday, February 20th from 9:00am to 10:30am

• Modification and moderation, not deprivation
• The role of fluid, fiber, and protein in weight loss
• Planning healthy meals and snacks 

Each participant will receive a folder of materials and a pedometer. In addition, baseline weight, body fat percentage, and waist circumference will be taken privately for each participant at the conclusion of the first group session and at your 3rd follow-up visit. 

To register, please complete the Registration Form and submit by fax, e-mail, or mail.

Package includes two group classes plus one individual follow-up session (to be scheduled at your convenience). Each participant will receive a folder of materials and light refreshments will be provided. Please download and complete the registration form to enroll.

Basics of Diabetes: Wednesday, February 10th from 5:30 to 7:00pm

• ABC’s of Diabetes Control
• Reducing Risks
• Basics of a healthy diet and lifestyle

Carbohydrate Counting for Diabetes: Wednesday, February 17th from 5:30 to 7:00pm

• Carbohydrate sources and portions
• Food label reading
• Resistant starches and fiber
• Planning meals

Location:

Join me at Bar Method Newport Beach next Saturday, January 23rd from 9am to 1pm where I will be taking registration for my new weight management package and discussing sports/exercise nutrition. You can also sign up to take a class from the founder, Burr Leonard online.