 |  Interactions Access Writing, 4/e Pamela Hartmann,
Los Angeles Unified School District
James Mentel,
Los Angeles Unified School District
Weight Loss| Narrator: Have you ever wondered why there are so many diets, diet books, and diet plans, and yet obesity in this country continues to worsen? Baylor College of Medicine's Dr. Ken Goodrick says that's because crash diets don't work.Goodrick: So by going on an extremely restrictive diet you are setting yourself up for failure.Narrator: Scientists say people who have a history of restrictive diets may actually end up gaining more weight in the long run. Studies show that restrictive dieting can actually change your brain chemistry. Making you crave food even more.Goodrick: If the condition is not enough food, the brain will make changes to motivate the body to get more food. That's why dieting works against weight management.Narrator: What does work? Restrictive diets don't, and Goodrick says 1,200 calories a day or less is probably way too restrictive. Secondly, change must be gradual. If you drop high fat foods overnight, you will feel deprived. Begin now and expect a lower fat diet to feel more comfortable in about six months or even a year.Goodrick: We've got people down to about 22% of calories from fat and not feeling deprived because they are switching over to the foods like salads and fruits and vegetables and low-fat meats like skinless chicken for example or fish and they're learning to eat that way without feeling deprived.Narrator: Goodrick, a psychologist and author, published his article on food as a drug last month. He says dieters also need social support. And he recommends getting together with friends to try new foods and learn new styles of cooking. Planning meals will help prevent binging, and brisk walking or other exercise will reduce appetite. |
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2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education