Obesity is rapidly becoming the silent killer of the western world. Poor diet and excessive body-weight have been inextricably linked to conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diverticular disease, some cancers, not to mention back and joint problems. Of course, these are just the physical conditions, often we forget the psychological and social adversities such as low self-esteem, ridicule, bullying and discrimination.
Having spent many years around overweight friends, colleagues and family members it's apparent that very few are truly happy with their size. My own mother having been diagnosed with type two, late onset diabetes aged 50, was constantly trying to find a solution for her 20 stone bulk. Each new diet or weight-loss product was approached with renewed vigour but the excitement never lasted. Sometimes it was days, sometimes weeks but invariably the new regime came to an abrupt halt, usually after a 'weigh-in' when nothing or very little had been lost. Frustrated and demoralised and to cries of "nothing ever works for me" out would come the chip pan followed by the biscuit barrel and the chocolate box.
This I know is an all too common scenario that leaves people with terrible feelings of failure and often despair. With millions constantly searching for the ultimate weight-loss solution to bring a halt to this rollercoaster lifestyle it comes as little surprise to learn that this is an industry that's worth billions annually.
The number one secret to a successful weight-loss programme is to find a diet that works for you. Just because for example, the 'grape juice and vinegar diet' enabled your best friend to lose a 16lbs in a month, doesn't necessarily mean it will do the same for you. Often it isn't the diet that doesn't work, it is the dieter who, for whatever reason, is unable to stick to the diet.
Achieving a target weight is a huge challenge especially for those with substantial amounts to shed, this is why success is far more likely if the correct plan is chosen. Unpleasant tasting foodstuffs or plans that leave the person wrestling hunger pangs or feeling constantly tired and lethargic are never going to be tolerated long term and, to be permanently successful this is exactly what is required.
How disheartening would it be having finally reached that goal, to see the pounds slip back on once the regime had come to an end? Maintaining a constant target weight is the second phase of the challenge and is best achieved by adopting good eating habits based on sound nutritional principles during the 'weight-loss' phase and to continue these for life. Unfortunately diets based on such things as soups, shakes and bars do nothing to promote good eating habits and therefore are thought to be of little value for those who have more than a few pounds to lose.
Is there anything that can really help us to adopt a healthier approach to food, to take away the cravings and curb the gluttony and to make the whole weight-loss challenge less of a battle? Well, perhaps there is.
A relatively new weapon in the armoury of the dieter is the use of NLP based products. NLP (neuro linguistic programming) is a type of therapy developed by two academics in the 1970's and has been used extensively as a personal development tool. By using covert techniques to bring about positive change it has been referred to as the 'model of excellence', the good news is that NLP can help us to lose weight by changing the way we think about food. As a consequence the two really great aspects to this approach are; firstly that the weight-loss regime is 'diet free' thus eliminating the usual restrictions and discomfort, secondly that the results are permanent which would see an end to the yo-yo scenario which of course can only be a good thing for not only for our figures and self-esteem but also for long-term health benefits.
Having spent many years around overweight friends, colleagues and family members it's apparent that very few are truly happy with their size. My own mother having been diagnosed with type two, late onset diabetes aged 50, was constantly trying to find a solution for her 20 stone bulk. Each new diet or weight-loss product was approached with renewed vigour but the excitement never lasted. Sometimes it was days, sometimes weeks but invariably the new regime came to an abrupt halt, usually after a 'weigh-in' when nothing or very little had been lost. Frustrated and demoralised and to cries of "nothing ever works for me" out would come the chip pan followed by the biscuit barrel and the chocolate box.
This I know is an all too common scenario that leaves people with terrible feelings of failure and often despair. With millions constantly searching for the ultimate weight-loss solution to bring a halt to this rollercoaster lifestyle it comes as little surprise to learn that this is an industry that's worth billions annually.
The number one secret to a successful weight-loss programme is to find a diet that works for you. Just because for example, the 'grape juice and vinegar diet' enabled your best friend to lose a 16lbs in a month, doesn't necessarily mean it will do the same for you. Often it isn't the diet that doesn't work, it is the dieter who, for whatever reason, is unable to stick to the diet.
Achieving a target weight is a huge challenge especially for those with substantial amounts to shed, this is why success is far more likely if the correct plan is chosen. Unpleasant tasting foodstuffs or plans that leave the person wrestling hunger pangs or feeling constantly tired and lethargic are never going to be tolerated long term and, to be permanently successful this is exactly what is required.
How disheartening would it be having finally reached that goal, to see the pounds slip back on once the regime had come to an end? Maintaining a constant target weight is the second phase of the challenge and is best achieved by adopting good eating habits based on sound nutritional principles during the 'weight-loss' phase and to continue these for life. Unfortunately diets based on such things as soups, shakes and bars do nothing to promote good eating habits and therefore are thought to be of little value for those who have more than a few pounds to lose.
Is there anything that can really help us to adopt a healthier approach to food, to take away the cravings and curb the gluttony and to make the whole weight-loss challenge less of a battle? Well, perhaps there is.
A relatively new weapon in the armoury of the dieter is the use of NLP based products. NLP (neuro linguistic programming) is a type of therapy developed by two academics in the 1970's and has been used extensively as a personal development tool. By using covert techniques to bring about positive change it has been referred to as the 'model of excellence', the good news is that NLP can help us to lose weight by changing the way we think about food. As a consequence the two really great aspects to this approach are; firstly that the weight-loss regime is 'diet free' thus eliminating the usual restrictions and discomfort, secondly that the results are permanent which would see an end to the yo-yo scenario which of course can only be a good thing for not only for our figures and self-esteem but also for long-term health benefits.