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Nicki's Blog - Jump Start Weight Loss Often Backfires!

Written on April 11, 2009

I was really bummed this past weekend when I received an email from a magazine that I have respected for many years. This particular magazine has a nice reputation for giving it’s readers some pretty solid information. In fact, I’ve recommended this magazine to many of my clients. However, I may rethink that after receiving this email from this company touting a book they’re publishing in which it tells me that I could lose up to 12 pounds in 2 weeks. Check out the “teaser” ad.

I’m writing to you today to invite you to “test-pilot” a stunning new weight loss program that can help you lose up to 12 pounds in 2 weeks.The name of the program is 2-WEEK TOTAL BODY TURNAROUND.The results I have seen with women who have already tested the program are AMAZING:Flabby stomachs get flat. Saggy bottoms are lifted. Jiggly arms are firmed up. Excess pounds melt away.After JUST 1 WEEK, Diane’s pants were literally hanging off:“There was less fat on my butt and thighs, so the hem of my favorite slacks was dragging on the floor!”…After 14 days, Diane lost more than 5 pounds and 9 inches. “My husband told me he could feel the difference every time he hugs me!” she exclaims. Sound exciting?

I don’t know about you, but reading that made my stomach turn and my blood pressure rise. Let’s get right to it, a “stunning” new program. Between you and me I have yet to hear about any “stunning” long-term diet and I have a sneaking suspicion that this diet book will end up on the shelves with the hundreds of other unsuccessful diet books.

Next, for those that know me, a major eye twitch, “Flabby stomachs get flat, saggy bottoms are lifted, jiggly arms are firmed up and pounds melt away!” Apparently, the book comes with a gift certificate to a plastic surgeon because that is the only way results like that are going to happen in 2 weeks. Don’t get me wrong, with sound exercise and nutrition, you can certainly firm up, but bellies flat and butts lifted in just a couple weeks? I don’t think so. Pounds melting away? Please.

Then of course there are the testimonials: After just one week, Diane’s pants were literally falling off. “There was less fat on my butt so the hem of my favorite pants was dragging on the floor.” Hmmm, in my 20 years of working with people that have lost weight, I have yet to see pants dragging on the floor after a week, unless of course they skipped wearing heels. 14 days, losing 5 pounds? Possible, 9 inches, not so much.

I think what really irritates me more than anything, is the blatant attempts to lure desperate people in. We know, it’s spring and people get desperate when bathing suit season draws near. So sure, a 2 week turn around program, would be great if it were true. I don’t buy it and neither should you. I tell my clients that it takes a good year to develop and maintain lifelong, (lifelong being the key word here), habits. You cannot change your life in 2 weeks and you will not lose weight in the way the ad claims in a smart healthy way, you just won’t.

Last week on the Today Show, they had their nutritionist, Joy Bauer on with a physician talking about cleansing or “detox” diets. Here were some of the comments made.

“Long-term fasts lead to muscle breakdown and a shortage of many needed nutrients, and the body is then deprived of the vitamins and minerals we get from food. This type of “cleansing program” can upset blood sugar, potassium and sodium levels in the body, especially for people with diabetes, heart or kidney disease. People with certain digestive conditions should avoid any kind of program like this.”

When people come to my studio and want to lose weight here’s what I say:

“I have no control over how much weight you will lose. I have no idea how hard you’re really willing to work to change your body and get healthy. I will tell you up front it takes dedication and determination to get healthy. I prefer you not have a “weight ” goal, but rather a health goal. Having a health goal is more likely to keep you motivated, weight is never enough because it’s ever changing. I will provide all the support I can and help you every step of the way. But before you do anything, you must decide what you’re willing to do and make sure that your expectations are congruent with the work you’re willing to put in. The first 4 weeks are always the “Honeymoon” phase, so just like a marriage you must agree to stick with your healthy living plan “in sickness and health, until death do you part.” If you are able to understand that and go with it, I am honored to help you down that path.

That’s it in a nutshell my friends. No magic, no secret, no stunning, just changes that need to be made. How, why and when is totally up to you. But it starts with understanding that you want to change, but only you can decide how much you are willing to change and if you will be happy with the outcome. Sort of like marriage. How much are you willing to give? What are your expectations? Can you stay with it forever? If not, postpone it until you’re ready.

So, are you ready to marry health and fitness with your lifestyle? I’ll look for the invitation in the mail!

For more visit: www.nickianderson.com