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Losing weight requires a change in thinking, expert says – Metro US

Losing weight requires a change in thinking, expert says

Hope to lose weight this year? Get ready to think differently about food.

“Any change we make to improve our weight needs to be a lifestyle change for good, not just a quick fix,” says Dr. Janine Bowring, a Toronto doctor of naturopathic medicine.

Many of us blurt out on New Year’s Eve that we are determined to diet and get in shape this year. Easier said than done.

“New Years resolutions to get in shape and lose weight rarely work for the long haul. Some people even gain more weight because they overeat in the holiday season knowing that Jan. 1, they are officially starting their weight loss,” says Bowring, who is author of the book The Healthy Millionaire and formulator of VitaTree Nutritionals.

“Goals for weight loss should be set for the long run, not just for a diet.”

Three small achievable goals that Dr. Bowring suggests setting are:
• Eat smaller amounts regularly
• Do not skip meals
• Eat more slowly.

These can improve our digestion and decrease overeating, thus resulting in weight loss, she says.

Avoid labelling certain foods as “bad,” as we tend to want more of what we can’t have. “If we can focus our attention to eating well 80 per cent of the time, the other 20 per cent can be our indulgences, without the attributed guilt that leads to overeating,” Bowring suggests.

Beware of emotional eating — try not to eat differently when stressed, angry or bored.

“Skinny people tend to eat whatever they want, whenever they want. They don’t feel bad about it and they also don’t overeat because they feel emotionally satisfied,” she says.

Bowring suggests New Year’s detoxification to help you feel lighter on your feet.

• Squeeze a quarter lemon in warm water and drink first thing in the morning. This helps to get the digestive enzymes going.

• Add parsley to your salads and other dishes; it is good for the kidneys.

• Make sure you are getting enough fibre. Add psyllium to water or juice once a day on an empty stomach (1/4 tsp). Eat lots of whole grains and carrots.

• Do deep breathing exercises daily.

• Sweat it out. Regular exercise detoxifies the skin and helps you lose weight and then maintain you new mass.