Americans are spending more than $60 billion a year in the weight loss industry. With so much investment and tons of dieting options, why do so many of us have trouble losing weight?
Weight loss is not a one size fits all experience and your weight is not just linked to the food you eat or the calories you burn. Weight is a complex result of your hormonal pathways and systems that regulate your metabolism. Often being overweight (or underweight) is a symptom of underlying disfunction or hormonal imbalance in the body.
With endless diets to choose from and heaps of mixed marketing messages, it’s important to remember that losing weight doesn’t necessarily equate good health. (In fact, improper dieting can deplete the body of the nutrients it needs to get better.) Working with a Functional Medicine doctor can help you identify underlying deficiencies and understand what foods work best for your body. Weight loss is a natural result after foundational health is restored.
Because our team believes that getting healthy shouldn’t be a punishment, we offer sensible support that lets you enjoy your life (and food choices) even more! Her are tips for getting started:
TOP 10 TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED
- Eat real food, not too much, and mostly plants – Michael Pollen
- Identify your body’s specific needs. Correct any underlying imbalances. What part of your physical or mental state might making weight loss more difficult?
- Eat a mindful meal or snack every 3-4 hours. Remember ABC’s- Access your hunger before starting, Breathe, and remember to Chew allowing you to taste the flavors and enjoy what you are eating!
- Consider joyful movement vs. exercise daily . Even just 15 minutes can make an impact!
- Get in tune with your body and listen up!. Ask yourself what kind of hungry are you? Physical? Emotional? Social? Bring awareness to this, label your hunger with a number (1-10), and respect your hunger when it comes to your food choices.
- Build PCF3 meals – Meals focused around protein, vegetables, and healthy fat
- Eat intentionally! Eat food you enjoy, but with purpose, intention, and mindfulness.
- Use SMART goal setting. Identify your barriers and set action plans around them that are Specific, Manageable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time Bound
- Cut the sugar in your foundation diet
- Find a community or partner to provide support and accountability on your health journey
If have questions about weight loss and Functional Medicine, call us at 773.598.4387 or visit us online to schedule a complimentary consultation.