This article, which I will use as a “Let’s Talk” English conversation topic , started off as a comment to Jerry’s post but it grew quickly and became too big for a simple comment.
The weight reduction business makes a fortune out of people like us who from time to time go on yo yo weight reduction diets, we buy and read diet and exercise books, and spend money on joining gymnasiums etc
.
I too have been on the up and down weight roundabout over many years and now believe that the sensible way to lose weight and keep it off is to do it gradually over months rather than weeks.
The reason we don’t succeed in keeping the weight off is that we go to extremes to achieve the lost and of course we cannot maintain it indefinitely as such a tough regulated regime of diet control and exercise over a long period of time is not only impossible but it is also unhealthy.
Yes, we need to reduce the amount of food etc we consume and we must exercise to some degree – the secret is to determine what is the correct balance for us as individuals. I have recently been gradually reducing my weight over many months this time and I am not going without much in order to progressively attain my weight loss goal. I agree that the reduction of fat is one of the key elements as is the need to exercise on a regular basis.
I love tuna, but as I am not a domestic pet, not by itself as I think it is too boring. I do however like to eat it often in warm weather with lettuce, tomato, cucumber and some vinegar (it helps to break down the fat) -great for lunch or dinner.
The diet that gave me the best result was one where I eliminated all dairy, caffeine, alcohol and carbonated soft drinks as well as reducing bread intake which was supplemented with an hour and a half walk every second day and in addition I drank 8 glassses of water each day.
My current weight loss plan modifies the aforementioned diet and exercise programme to where I reduce (rather than eliminate) the amount of dairy, caffeine, alcohol and bread and in doing that eat more fruit and vegetables so I never really feel hungry and I don’t have cravings for things that before I eliminated from my diet. I also walk for at least 4 hours a week plus I do some pushups, sit ups and stretching exercises every other day. Handing out flyers helps to tone up the body too and it’s a great motivator for me to head out three times a week to greet my students and friends on their way to work.
My biggest issue is the same as most people who are on a diet- to get down the size of the waist and tummy – the only way this will happen is to specifically exercise those parts of the body.
Don’t be discouraged if your weight doesn’t come off immediately because exercise develops the muscles which are heavier than fat but eventually you will see weight loss – my advice though is to not weigh yourself but instead measure the size of your waist because if you reduce the size of your waist then you will most certainly be losing weight.
Oh and don’t forget to drink plenty of water it not only quenches the thirst but is good for the skin and keeps your tummy full so that you don’t want or feel like any snacks.
Ken
Smith’s School of English – Koenji
Leave a Reply