continuation

My belly (and thus waist measurement) is getting smaller.

The latest rage in the fitness book aisle at your local mega-book store is Drs. Oz and Roizen. "You on a Diet." Dr. Oz has been on Oprah several times now (cause, you know, that's the true test of any diet-related publication, right?), and even did a show on Discovery about his book/plan. What he focuses on isn't weight, its waist measurement... he's decided that the largest healthy waist measurement for a woman is 32.5" (you can suck it in when you measure) and for men is 35". Ideally you want to get below those numbers to maximize the health benefits of getting rid of belly fat. Interestingly enough, one of the main eating points they make is to eat the same things for breakfast and lunch nearly every day... "people who restrict food choices lose more weight."

In my case, I have definitely found that to be true. The fewer choices I have, the more likely I am to make a good one. The other thing they emphasize is emptying your kitchen of the crap and resolving to NEVER bring it back in. I got to do a lot of that when I moved... brand new kitchen and empty pantry to fill with nothing but healthy foods. I think I've done pretty well so far. There are a few crackers and such for the kids, but they're minimal and kept on their shelf, which I rarely look at anyway.

Right now my waist is 32". According to the good Dr's I am below the danger point... I am, however, no where near healthy... at least not in my book. I think that overall "You on a Diet" is a very good idea for the average, sedentary, overweight American, and I'm glad it focuses on the tape measure instead of the scale... but for someone who really wants to be fit and healthy, its really just a starting point. The only exercise recommended is 30 minutes of brisk walking every day and some basic resistance exercises done with zero weight. Like I said... a good starting point.

In any case, its worth checking out of the library, but I wouldn't buy it myself. Most of the info is online anyway at their website (Google "you on a diet" and you'll find it).

Enjoy!

Posted by Lexy at January 10, 2007 06:59 AM