Dear Rhonda,

I rented a beach house for the summer with a bunch of friends and really want to shed about 20 lbs before we all arrive for Memorial Day. Everyone has a different weight loss regimen that they all swear by. Any advice on which diet or workout routine might help me lose the weight?

Thanks
Cindy

Dear Cindy,

While I am neither a licensed nutritionist nor do I have any actual medical or physical fitness certification, I am filled with tons (no pun intended) of life experience. Before I answer your question, I must first strongly recommend that you consult your physician before beginning any new diet or exercise program.

Now that doversworld.com and I are legally covered, lets get down to business Cindy. You eat too much damn food! It’s that simple. You can cut carbs, give up meat, eat high protein, low protein, no sugar, no wheat or any of the fad diets that are out there (lets not even get into colonics…), but unless you cut your total caloric intake and exercise you will remain pleasurably plump (and in all likelihood gain slowly and steadily) throughout your entire life.

I have no idea how many calories are the right number for you and I surely don’t know what exercise program suits your physicality, but I will tell you two things that will be the foundation for any success you may have.

1. Be realistic- 20 lbs in two months is never going to happen. It probably took years to get to this point, so it will take some time to take it off. All this unrealistic goal will do is give you something to feel bad about on Memorial Day when you only lost 6-8 lbs. Set goals that you can celebrate, so that you don’t end up with your face in a bowl of chocolate ice cream trying to make yourself feel better over your perceived failure.
2. Make sure you are doing it (or anything in life for that matter) for the right reasons. If you are committed to making a “lifestyle change” then I have all the hope in the world that you will succeed and find a happier and healthier you under all those extra pounds. If you are doing this strictly to fit into a bathing suit, head out immediately and buy the ice cream now (and you might as well throw in the chocolate syrup…)

If you really want to change your lifestyle and can set realistic goals, then I suggest you join your local gym and sign up with a trainer. It may seem intimidating at first, but I guarantee it will be the best investment in YOU that you have probably made in years. And trust me, if you stay on the track, the 6-8 lbs on Memorial Day may well turn into the 20 you are hoping for by Labor Day. Please let me know how you progress and good luck!

Best,

Rhonda

Posted: Sunday, March 29th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Filed under: Ask Rhonda, Everything Else