What’s the ultimate secret to weight loss success?

March 8, 2007 11:22 PM
By Susan Parsons MD

Is it a special diet or diet program? Low carb, low fat, high protein, vegetarian? Can it possibly be the Zone Diet or the South Beach Diet? Some still think it’s the Atkins’ Diet.

The truth is, lots of different diets work. Yes, some work better than others. But we all know the bitter reality. You need to cut out the goodies to lose weight.

You could even follow a diet like this: On Monday, eat only green foods. On Tuesdays, eat purple foods. Wednesday, stick to orange. And so on. The Color Diet (I just made this up, if you are thinking you truly want to try this) would work for a while, until you decided that you really wanted to eat carrots on Monday.

One weight loss truth that works is to eat only whole foods and avoid processed foods. That’s an idea you can take to the bank. But it’s not the ultimate secret.

Well, if it’s not the diet, is it a miraculous pill, vitamin, or supplement? Many advertisers would have you believe that their particular brand of diet pill is the supreme solution to flat abs and tight buns.

Yes, there are some supplements that may assist weight loss. But there is no single pill you can swallow that will lead you to magically shed all the fat and keep it off.

Then, the ultimate secret must be exercise. But, unfortunately, there is no exercise that will turn a 200 lb lump of clay body into a shapely, svelte 125 lbs. Of course, we all know that exercise helps. And certain types of exercise may work faster than others. But exercise often can’t undo the damage wreaked from consistently overeating bad foods.

So what is the ultimate secret to losing weight? The secret lies in YOU – your mind, your thoughts … your DESIRE. How badly do you want to lose weight? And even more important, how much focus are you going to give to your weight loss efforts?

When I say effort, I’m not saying you have to slave away, or starve, or exercise for hours at a time. You should not feel deprived on a weight loss program. Actually, you should be energized and excited.

But you do need to spend time reflecting on your desires, visualizing your outcome, being your own cheerleader. You need to be willing to learn about the basics of weight loss. Then, you must apply what you learn to make healthy changes to your eating and exercise habits. You may want to join a program, an act of commitment that may propel you forward.

If you concentrate on what you want, then the rest will fall into place. Universal energy forces will allow your dreams to be fulfilled.

But if you don’t focus on your dreams, they will not happen. If you continue to follow along the same path you have always done, you can’t possibly reach a new destination. I can guarantee you of that.

I believe that you create your own reality by your thoughts. You can shape your body and your life by thinking the right thoughts. Focus on your desire, and turn it into commitment. Then weight loss success will follow as night follows day.

Comments

Your website is coming along well and the information so far is great. I will be visiting it very frequently. Thanks for all your support to me and our team.

Posted by Michelle Barnhart | March 9, 2007 4:46 PM

Thanks, Michelle. Stop back soon. We're making new additions daily.

Posted by Dr. Parsons | March 9, 2007 6:45 PM

Dr. Parsons:
I have enjoyed looking at your website which provides basic, straight-forward information on weight loss and healthy living. I have bookmarked it as a favorite to come back to often in support of my own healthy eating and life-style goals. Thanks!

Posted by John Douglas | April 5, 2007 9:42 PM

Thanks, John. I so glad you found our site helpful. Good luck in your weight loss efforts! I'm here to help.

Posted by Dr. Parsons | April 5, 2007 10:00 PM

Dr. Parsons

Very nice website...I think it should be helpful.. I am forwarding the site to my sister and mother as well. Thanks for sharing and GOOD LUCK!

Posted by Lorel Au | April 8, 2007 11:27 PM

This is wonderful Dr. Parsons! Very inspiring and so true! I'll be looking forward to your newsletters! THANK YOU! Melanie

Posted by Melanie Welsh | April 10, 2007 5:29 PM