Probably the #1 New Year’s resolution is to lose weight and as someone has said, it is the one that you can use next year and the one after that.  And rightly so since seemingly the number one health concern is either caused by the weight problem or one related to it.  This is especially true for most people who lead rather sedimentary lives, office workers, for example whose jobs generally require mental but little physical activity.  And there are those who see the problem as a way to make money by providing ‘answers’ to the problem.  Most are deceptively easy, painless and guaranteed.  If you believe that, are you looking for a good used car with only 120,000 miles showing on the odometer?
I do not consider myself ‘fat’ having gained only about 10 pounds in 25 years, can wear most of my same clothing but am conscious of calories and try to shy away from foods that should have warning labels attached such as ice cream, cheese cake, fries and most other fast foods.  My best advice for those who are at a fat risk from these foods is stay away from them in the first place.  If you have a propensity to consume too many sweets, don’t allow them a place in your pantry or refrigerator, a sure and sensible way to avoid the forbidden. Ideally the proven-to-work plan is to have a partner who encourages you to abstain and in a competitive way.  Competition is a powerful motivator. Too have a full length mirror as a confirmation of your poundage loss successes or alternately your failures. Having and using an Exercycle regularly helps too and a good set of honest scales.
Other than car sales seemingly, the most popular TV commercials  in January  appear to be former football players and other celebrities in general posing with empty over sized trousers bragging about their loss, how easy it is and even how you will actually ‘enjoy’ the process plus also saving you money on your food bill.  Usually there is the before and after shot showing unbelievable weight differences.  Some of the models appear to have the face of the commercial promoter and the body of an 18 year old courtesy of Photoshop©. 
My doctor does not even want to discuss the ‘problem ‘with me suggesting that moderate weight gain might actually be healthy especially more so if you have an illness and need the extra ounces as a reserve.  It sounds like practical advice or perhaps good psychology.  And I have a tendency to actually believe what he says, a way to rationalize my plus ten pounds away.
There are numerous weight loss plans, some conventional and other bordering on the bizarre.  Credibility is given to some when the name of the plan’s consultant is followed by the letters M.D.  The best advice I have found to be as follows:  study labels, eat in moderation and exercise regularly.  Should you follow this simple advice, success will come your way without the heralded heroics.
Let’s see.  Ten pounds added in 25 years equals to a modest acceptable gain?
It’s pretty remarkable to live in this wonderful country when one of its major problems is how to lose weight when many worldwide can barely survive.
Be thankful.
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Bill Lee, PO Box 128,
Hamer, SC 29547