Food for Thought

NEA Today, Apr 2004

Challenge nutrition expert Molly Gee offers these tips for slimming down before your final weigh-in and for maintaining a healthy weight in years to come.

Drop those last pounds fast:

* Cut back salt and sugar. They make you hold water.

* Focus on protein; give starchy, flour-filled carbs the boot.

* Fill up on fiber. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Try an apple before each meal. Studies show you'll lose more.

Habits to keep:

* Never skip a meal-eat a small, low-fat, high-fiber or high-protein meal every four to five hours.

* Keep track of what you eat.

* Weigh yourself regularly.

* Make small changes; you'll see big rewards.

* Aim for realistic weight goals.

* Make healthy eating a permanent family affair.

* Enjoy favorite foods in measured portions. Don't deprive yourself of pleasure.

* Make fruits and vegetables the center of your diet.

* Read food labels. Go to www.FDA.gov to learn what the labels mean.

* Stay hydrated-drink six to eight glasses of water a day.

* Plan to manage high-calorie situations, like holidays and vacations.

* Go shopping and kiss your fat clothes goodbye.

AND, FINALLY, MAKE HISTORY. If you drop 30 pounds or more and keep it off for more than one year, join the National Weight Control Registry at 800-606-NWCR (6927). Your achievement may inspire millions.