From the desk of Anthony Buchalka

Welcome to today's post where I thought we could discuss some of the plethora of weight loss programs that are on offer.

It's Anthony Buchalka here with you again.

I myself have struggled with my weight over the years, although for the last several years seem to have finally got it under control. My dear departed Mother was overweight and as I child I remember that she was forever on a diet. I think I inherited her sweet tooth and have always found it hard to say no to a piece or chocolate (or a whole block on more than one occasion), or a nice dessert.

I feel often that people are looking for a quick fix in regard to weight loss and seem to forget or maybe ignore the simple weight loss formula that WILL work for most of us.

What is the formula?

Take in less calories than what are burnt up each day and we will lose weight.

Not exactly rocket science is it?

So we should eat a balanced healthy diet low in fat and high in fruit and vegetables. That coupled with a regular exercise program, say 2 - 5 times a week will gradually shed the excess weight for most of us.

I think no matter what program we may use though, we must remember the simple weight loss formula.

Why use a weight loss program you may be thinking ?

Well, of course we don't have to join a program to effectively lose weight. But, for many people, the discipline of attending a regular program helps motivate one to keep going at the weight loss. Also being around other like minded individuals can be empowering for many.

Weight Loss Programs

In the western world in particular, a lot of people want to, need to, lose weight. To do so, they are turning to weight loss programs such as the Atkins Diet, Weight Watchers, and Jenny Craig to help them through the process.

Each of these programs has a certain method for helping people lose weight.

Weight loss programs are very popular today because they can really take the guess work out of the process of losing weight. A lot of people simply do not know where to start or are so far removed from the process of being healthy that they don’t even know which foods are truly good for them.

Atkin's Diet

The Atkins Diet is one of those weight loss programs that got popular through a best selling book. Dr. Atkins is one of those people who were responsible for the craze of a low carbohydrate, high protein diet. As people tried the Atkins diet, many realized that it really worked for them. Although effective according to some, this diet is not for everyone. For example, people like endurance athletes cannot afford to have a low carbohydrate lifestyle. Others will say that this diet can be detrimental to one's health.

Weight Watchers

The Weight Watchers system is one of those weight loss programs that works for many people because of its simplicity. It uses a points system. Each person is allotted a certain number of points in the day. Everything you eat has a certain number of points. You simply calculate what you eat and add up the points for a healthy weight loss. (with the aim of taking in less food than one burns up). The benefit of this is that if you have a day where you eat something high in calories or fat, you will still encourage weight loss by not exceeding your total points in the day.

Jenny Craig

With the recent amount of promotional activities, such as the celebrity endorsed commercials, Jenny Craig is once again becoming a household name. Jenny Craig is one of those weight loss programs that have a history of success. The difference between Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers and the Atkins diet is that Jenny Craig has a selection of prepared meals to eat as your sole source of nourishment. This program is ideal for people who do not like to cook or do not have time to.

Choosing a Program

There are several weight loss programs out there including the three we have briefly mentioned.

How do you know which is right for you?

Well, if you are the type of person that likes to have total control over what you eat, something like Weight Watchers may be best. If you tend to eat out a lot or rarely cook your own meals, Jenny Craig is likely the right one for you. And the Atkins diet is also good in certain situations. Make a list of your top criteria for what you look for in terms of weight loss programs and find the one that suits those needs best.

Of course discuss this first with your Doctor.

I'll leave it there for now and will be later delving deeper into the whole diet, health and weight loss arena.

All the best.

Anthony Buchalka