Success along the way

Hi, Everyone –

Sometimes I think it can be really easy to get really caught-up in the end result of getting healthy and losing weight. Of course, reaching your ultimate goal is important, but you also need to enjoy the ride. Today, Kevin over at Weight Ladder posted some tips that really hit home. He lists some of the best ways to measure your success. Check it out.

 Dr. Snyder

1 comment August 28th, 2008

If you are on a diet, does that mean your family has to be on a diet?

Hi, Everyone –

I think you all know that it is much easier to stick with a diet if you have a support system. Whether it is a friend, a family member, or online support forums, having someone there through the trials and triumphs is essential for success. However, while those close to you can be invaluable support pillars, they can sometimes also be a detriment to your success.

Your family may not immediately want to jump on the health bandwagon with you, but trust me, you can be a good influence and they will adapt. The problem with families these days is that they are all about convenience when it comes to food – we are just too busy!  

My family always keeps our fruit drawer full of healthy and delicious options, that way there is no excuse to grab cookies, chips or any other member of the unhealthy snack family. There may be a period of time where they will miss certain food, and even a certain lifestyle, but they will soon get over it just as you did. I’d be interested to hear what you do to keep your friends and family on track. What tips and tricks do you use?

Dr. Snyder

1 comment August 25th, 2008

Can you believe it?

Hi, Everyone -

I can’t believe that Labor Day is already coming up this soon!  I guess this means the summer is almost over. But before you put away the pool toys and barbecue, give this guacamole recipe from the Barbecue Blog a try:

Ingredients:

• 2 avocados (ripe)
• 1 skinned seeded tomato and chopped
• 1 clove garlic crushed
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• A pinch of salt
• Seeded red chile chopped

Add comment August 22nd, 2008

Get some sleep!

Hi, Everyone –

There is an interesting article on msn.com today. It talks about what a lack of sleep can do to your body and weight-loss efforts. According to the article, women who sleep six hours per night were 12 percent more likely to gain a significant amount of weight. Those who slept only five hours per night were 32 percent more likely!

The moral of the story here folks is that you need to get your beauty rest. Your body needs time to rejuvenate so turn off the tv, shut your computer and go get some sleep!

Dr. Snyder

Add comment August 21st, 2008

Check it out!

Hi, Everyone –

It has been an exciting week. Check out my coverage on the Virginian-Pilot and Lancaster New Era online! 

Dr. Snyder

Add comment August 19th, 2008

Make you a project

Hi, Everyone –

I’m sure that most of you out there like to take-on projects of some kind. Whether it’s DIY projects, hobbies, sports or whatever else, we all have things we like to do in our free time. Well, here’s a thought, how about you make yourself a project?

If I gave you a project, say at home or at work, you would probably do a great job!  You would do the research and fill out the report and or paint the garage, whatever.  Why not make yourself a project?  Take it as seriously as you would take a work project, or your kids or your spouse.  Make you a project.

Dr. Snyder

Add comment August 18th, 2008

Celebrity weight-loss

Hi, Everyone -

My last post discussed the portrayal of weight images in the media, and I’m sure most of you have seen the media frenzy that has surrounded Jennifer Love Hewitt today. The media is glorifying her nearly 20-pound weight loss after photos were taken of her in a bikini and she was dubbed “heavy” by the ridiculous tabloids. 

What is really sad about this situation is that Hewitt initially defended her physique and was acting as a sort of role model for normalcy. I’m interested to hear your thoughts on this. Do you think she slimmed down just because of the pressure? Do you think the media breeds this mind-set of the “perfect” body? 

Dr. Snyder

Add comment August 15th, 2008

Weighing-in on the media

Hi, Everyone –

Have you ever walked by the the magazine section in the grocery store and noticed that every magazine and newspaper lifestyle section is about losing weight. “Melt off those last 10 pounds” or “40 pounds in 40 days!” I’m pretty sure that none of these magazines would have a prayer of survival without weight-loss topics.

The reason these magazines and newspapers always have an audience who will want to read these articles is because most people fail at weight-loss. It’s an unpleasant thing to talk about, but it’s true. Even the most successful diet programs have only a 20% success rate, where subscribers lost weight and kept it off.

Most over-the-counter weight-loss drugs advertise only an 8 to 12 pound loss in three months – for some people that’s just not going to cut it. Then, after you stop taking the drugs, you gain it all back. I guess my point is that diets do not work. It is all about making healthy lifestyle changes and using the right tools. 

I say we challenge each other to put those weight-loss tabloids out of business.

Dr. Snyder

Add comment August 13th, 2008

Prince Chunk

Hi, Everyone - 

I’m not sure how many of you have heard of “Prince Chunk,” the  famous cat dealing with his own weight issues. This article ran today with another photo of the decadent feline. Apparently, the Camden County Animal Shelter has received close to 500 applications to adopt him. After seeing this photo, I can see why! I guess he has become something of a national celebrity. Do any of you have animals carrying a few extra pounds? Any that rival Prince Chunk? If you do, send in your photos.

 Dr. Snyder

Add comment August 12th, 2008

Fuggetaboutit

Hi, Everyone –

Sometimes it amazes me how critical people are of themselves. We are our own toughest critic, but sometimes, we need to cut ourselves a little slack. I often see patients who get so upset when they make a mistake and I always tell them the same thing: FORGET ABOUT IT! You are going to make mistakes and you need to be patient with yourself. It might be a slow process, but the weight will come off as long as you take it one day at a time and stick with it.

So what, so you lost track and ate a chocolate bar, or even a chocolate cake; that doesn’t mean you have to derail your entire day, or even your entire diet. Don’t pull the “I’ll start being ‘good’ tomorrow,” we’ve all been there and we all know that tomorrow never comes. I know you hear this all the time, but I’m going to say it again – start now. Start right now. Right this second. Yes, you.

Also, Kevin over at the Weight Ladder had some interesting thoughts this week on being patient and making small changes in your lifestyle when you are trying to get healthy – check it out.

Dr. Snyder

Add comment August 8th, 2008