Dear Cherokee Choices,
Over the past five years I have been struggling with my weight and I’m worried I may be at risk for diabetes. I know what I am “supposed” to do but I am having a hard time getting motivated and sticking to a “diet”. I want to succeed with my health goals this this time but I need help. Is there anything I can do to help me stay motivated and reach my goals?
Sincerely,
Struggling
Dear Struggling,
Great to hear you are NOT giving up! Many people are successful in the long run with losing weight even though they have failed in the past. Know that it is normal to slip from your healthy eating plan – the important thing is how you react to those slips. Below are some lessons learned from the National Weight Control Registry, which includes research from over 10,000 people that have lost weight and kept it off for a year:
- There are a variety of different ways to lose weight – you have to find what works for you and make it a lifestyle – not a quick fix “diet”. Most people in the Weight Control Registry reported followed a reduced calorie, low fat diet and did high levels of activity. What did they do?
- 78 percent ate breakfast every day.
- 75 percent weighed themselves at least once a week.
- 62 percent watched less than 10 hours of TV per week.
- 90 percent exercise, on average, about 1 hour per day.
- Forty-five percent of registry participants lost the weight on their own and the other 55 percent lost weight with the help of some type of program.
Creating a support system for healthy living is a great way to help you stay motivated. The more people you have at home, work, and professionally supporting you the better, as well as creating a healthy environment, for example have junk food out of the house and a fresh fruit bowl on the table and bring your tennis shoes to the office or always have them in the car just in case you get an opportunity to be physically active..
If you would like more support in losing weight and helping to prevent type 2 diabetes, there is a new program called Cherokee Strong: A Diabetes Prevention Program. Programs will be starting in March in Cherokee and in Snowbird. The program consists of 16 weekly classes (with monthly follow-up after) and support from a Lifestyle Coach to help you in reach your health goals. Participants receive a free healthy meal, gas gift cards and prizes for attending classes (childcare is even provided at some classes)! If you are interested in more info or signing up, contact Robin 359-6785 or robibail@nc-cherokee.com or drop-in to the Ginger Lynn Welch Complx 806 Acquoni Road Cherokee, NC on Feb. 22 from 11:30am – 1pm or 3:30-5pm. Enjoy free food, prizes, and more info!
Good Luck, Robin Callahan, RD,LDN, MHS- Cherokee Choices
