Living in today’s world and maintaining an optimum diet has never been easier, yet more difficult. We are constantly confronted with advertising in all aspects of our lives: on the radio, in magazines, on the television and do not even get me started with what occurs online. Products that promise miracle results are under-regulated and the laws that protect consumers are weak at best. Even the very popular media personality Dr. Oz was in front of congress earlier this year, being questioned on why he promotes products that he knows do not have a strong scientific backing.



I always recommend my patients develop healthy habits and follow simple and effective routines in their lives to control their weight.

Here are my tips for effective and simple weight loss.

• 1. Don’t eat by the clock. Eat when hungry not when it’s time to eat. Not at “lunch” or “breakfast”. Your body will tell you when it needs energy and nutrition.
• 2. Exercise. Weight loss through exercise is a myth! The more you do, odds are you will gain weight. You get hungrier when exercising and muscle weighs more than fat.
• 3. Fast occasionally. Twice a week, forego dinner and just drink water. Mini-fasts can eliminate up to 500-800 calories. Within a month you can easily shed 3-5 pounds.
• 4. High Protein Diet. Foods like chicken breast, fish, turkey, steak, etc… will keep you full longer than carb rich tools. Proteins take longer to digest and stays in the stomach longer.
• 5. Drink cold water when hungry. Cold water expands the stomach and transmits physiological signals to the brain that it is full.
• 6. Chew 8 times. Enjoy your food, you are not a vacuum cleaner or a garbage disposal. It takes a while for your body and brain to accept that is is full. By chewing longer you will not overeat.

There you have it! If you can follow and implement these tips, weight loss will be something that is attainable to you. Miracle products are often just claims to take advantage of people’s insecurities. The age-old tip almost always applies to these products; if it’s too good to be true, it usually is.

Till the next time, Your Dr.!