Question: How can I successfully lose weight?

Weight is a top nutrition concern of Canadians. While dieting is a popular remedy for weight loss, decades of research have shown that diets are not effective for long-term health and weight control. The best results are seen when people positively change their lifestyle by eating healthier and being more active. Change never seems to be easy but when done gradually by taking small steps it becomes more manageable.

I often hear people saying they know they should eat healthier but don’t want to because they think they will have to give up the things they like. The interesting thing is that you don’t have to give up the things you love! Every food can fit. If you eat nutritious foods most of the time, there is no problem with treating yourself once in a while. It’s also important to realise that healthy foods can taste good. A healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be painful or time-consuming. To make your efforts successful, the foods you eat and the activities you do must be enjoyable, so it becomes a daily habit. If you can’t find pleasure in your new habits, your chances of keeping them are slim.

For reliable nutrition information and support, visit the Dieticians of Canada website at www.dietitians.ca. For more information on weight management, don’t hesitate to contact your MANGO dieticians, it will be our pleasure to direct you towards the right resources!

The "Ask a Dietician" column is an initiative of the Miramichi Regional Health Authority MANGO (Miramichi Action for Nutritional Guidance Opportunities) Program that promotes healthy eating and active living. The Miramichi people and its surrounding communities are invited to ask their nutrition and physical activity related questions to a MANGO dietician by email at mango@health.nb.ca, or calling 623-3555 and leaving a message.