Why Is It So Important To Lose Weight

You’ve seen the statistics. Americans are more overweight than ever and the trend is expected to continue. The lifespan of our children will likely be shorter than ours for the first time in the history of mankind, due to chronic diseases related to obesity. In this day and age, weight loss doesn’t happen by accident, but weight gain does. 

Why? Consider the following:

The majority of Americans do not get the minimum physical activity needed

The average American takes approximately 3,000-5,000 steps per day, which means they’re sitting most of the day

Portion sizes are significantly larger than before

Food is available in endless quantities, any time of the day, and high-calorie foods are often cheaper

The bottom line is our environment encourages sitting and eating 24/7. Sitting while commuting to work, sitting at a desk to make a living, sitting for entertainment (phones, movies, video games, TV), and of course sitting while eating. To make matters worse, humans are programmed to eat and take the path of least resistance — a survival mechanism that helped our hunting and gathering ancestors survive, but is now killing us. Literally.

Here are more facts to ponder:

1 out of 10 people do not know how many calories they need to maintain their weight

Most people think they eat less than they actually do (20-50 percent less on average)

Translation — we’re not very good at consuming the right amount of food and beverages to maintain a healthy body weight. If you want to change something, like your clothing size, body fat percentage, or the number on the scale, the first step is to become aware of your body’s needs and the choices you’re making. In other words, awareness opens the door to change. Otherwise, you’re clueless and you don’t even know it. You end up becoming a victim of creeping obesity — that 1-3 pounds a year the average American gains during adulthood because they’re not paying attention. That may not sound like much but over 20 years of adulthood, the years 25 to age 45, that extra weight should be as much as 60 pounds and the average person doesn’t even realize how they gained it. 

Perhaps you are paying attention, maybe even counting calories, and you’re wondering, is it worth it? Here’s what the research shows:

People who track what they eat at least 5 days a week lose twice as much weight as those who don’t

People who track what they eat regularly maintain weight loss better

People who use a body sensing device (a fitness tracker) that tracks activity and calories burned lose 2-3 times more weight than those who don’t

This makes sense. After all, how do you manage something, whether it’s your checkbook, your blood pressure, or your waistline if you’re not tracking it? Well…you don’t. You end up with bounced checks, uncontrolled blood pressure, and having to buy bigger clothes.

Look for my podcast by searching “How Bad Do You Want To Lose Weight” on the podcast app that you use. You’ll see a piece of my book cover.

Also, follow me on Twitter @gertsraymo70369 to get a link to my latest posts.

If you want to lose your body fat look for my e-books at the websites listed below. You’ll get information on Healthy eating, exercise, and diet. Instead of spending hours on the internet reading dozens of posts, you can save time by picking up one of my e-books. 

There are two e-books. “How Bad Do You Want To Lose Weight?” is available at all the online bookstores selling for $3.99. Go to any of the websites below and search the title to find my e-book. This book gives you all you need to lose weight without spending money on gym memberships, diet plans, or meal plans. 

Look for my book. at Amazon.com, bn.com, iBooks, Kobo.com, Scribd.com, or Gardner Books in the U.K.

My new e-book is available on Smashwords.com and other online bookstores. Just type “getting to a Healthy Weight” in the search box at the top of the home page. 

What Is A Vegetarian Diet?

People who follow a vegetarian diet don't consume meat, poultry, or seafood, but they eat eggs, dairy, and other animal-derived foods like honey. Fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, and soy-based products, among others, are all included.

Both environmentalists and health experts promote plant-based diets as healthier for our bodies and healthier for the planet.1 A plant-based eating lifestyle can provide substantial health benefits, but like any diet, it is essential to choose nutrient-rich foods and eat in moderation to get the benefits you're looking for.

The 2021 U.S. News and World Report Best Diets ranks the vegetarian diet number 9 in Best Diets Overall and gives it an overall score of 3.6/5.

What Experts Say

"The vegetarian diet limits animal products to varying degrees. Experts agree this can be an earth-friendly and healthful way of eating, but care should be taken to ensure that food variety provides nutrition and satisfaction and is not a restrictive weight loss diet in disguise."

—Chrissy Carroll, RD, MPH

The 7-Day Diet Plan 

A vegetarian diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, grains, beans and includes eggs and dairy in some variations. Most people eat the standard three meals a day with snacks as desired.

The 7-day meal plan laid out below is just one idea of what to eat for three meals per day. This is not an all-inclusive meal plan. If you are eating a vegetarian diet, you may find other meals that work well for you.

• Day 1: California summer vegetable omelet, orange juice; baked potato with chickpeas, zucchini, squash, and cherry tomatoes sauteed in olive oil, kale salad with toasted nuts; Mediterranean quinoa stuffed peppers
• Day 2: Whole-wheat toast with avocado, spinach, and everything-bagel seasoning; shredded Brussels sprouts and roasted lentil salad; spicy vegan tomato and plantain stew
• Day 3: Charred white bean breakfast pizza; egg salad sandwich on a bagel with fresh fruit; Brown rice pasta with healthier Alfredo sauce
• Day 4: Whole grain toast with eggs, sauteed kale, grapes; cabbage and white bean sauté with garlicky greens, brown rice; carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, hummus; bean, quinoa, and cheese stuffed bell pepper, side salad
• Day 5: Steel-cut oats with berries and almond milk, flaxseed, peanut butter; fruit and yogurt parfait; chickpea salad sandwich, cottage cheese, grapes; whole wheat pasta with seitan tomato vegetable sauce, garlic bread, green salad
• Day 6: Egg, mushroom, and cheese omelet, asparagus, grapefruit; chickpea and lemon soup with greens; yogurt with berries and nuts; tofu stir fry with bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli on rice
• Day 7: Green smoothie with whey protein and coconut milk, peanut butter toast; strawberries, almonds; vegetable lasagna, side green salad; Asian tofu lettuce wraps, quinoa, broccoli
  

What You Can Eat 

There are many different variations of the vegetarian diet. The main limitation is to avoid meat, poultry, and seafood. That means there are many compliant foods, including all plant-based foods (and other animal-derived foods, such as dairy products).

Grains 

All grains are eaten on any version of the vegetarian diet.

• Wheat
• Rice
• Oats
• Amaranth
• Quinoa
• Barley
• Rye

Beans and Legumes 

Beans and legumes are important staples on any vegetarian diet, as they are a source of protein.

• Black beans
• Chickpeas
• Kidney peans
• Split peas
• Lentils
• Adzuki beans
  

Fruits and Vegetables 

All fruits and vegetables are eaten on any version of the vegetarian diet.

• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Carrots
• Peas
• Corn
• Tomatoes
• Avocado
• Bananas
• Apples
• Berries
• Grapes
• Melons

Oils 

Plant oils are used as healthy fats on any vegetarian diet

• Coconut oil
• Avocado oil
• Olive oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Canola oil

Eggs and Dairy 

The most common type of vegetarian diet is the lacto-ovo version, in which meat and seafood are avoided but dairy and eggs are included. Ovo-vegetarians eat eggs but avoid dairy, meat, and seafood. Lacto-vegetarians consume dairy but avoid eggs, meat, and seafood.

What You Cannot Eat 

Some people consider the pescatarian diet a variation of a vegetarian diet. Pescatarians eat plant-based foods and seafood. The flexitarian diet is primarily vegetarian but includes occasional meat or seafood-based meals. The vegan diet consists of no meat, dairy, eggs, or animal by-products, including honey.

 7-Day Pescatarian Meal Plan & Recipe Prep 

Meat and Poultry 

Most versions of the vegetarian diet avoid all meat and poultry, except the flexitarian diet, which is a hybrid version.

• Beef
• Chicken
• Lamb
• Turkey
• Pork
• Venison
  

Seafood 

Most vegetarian diets avoid seafood, except the pescetarian diet, which is considered by some a version of a vegetarian diet.

• Fish (salmon, halibut, tuna, etc.)
• Shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels, etc.)
• Crustaceans (shrimp, lobster, crabs, etc.)
  

How to Prepare the Vegetarian Diet & Tips 

On the lacto-ovo vegetarian and lacto-vegetarian diet, you consume foods in all food groups including vegetables, fruit, grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy, protein foods, and oils. Those who adhere to an ovo-vegetarian diet would not consume foods from the dairy group. But milk alternatives (such as nut-based products) are widely available.

Instead of meat and seafood, vegetarians consume protein-rich grains, soy products like tofu, and vegetables with protein. It is fairly easy to eat a balanced diet on a vegetarian plan and to get your recommended intake of nutrients.

You don't need to follow any specific meal timing when you begin a vegetarian diet. However, if you currently consume a traditional American diet, experts often recommend a gradual approach to make the transition easier.

Some people try going meatless one day each week before fully adopting a vegetarian diet. Others use the flexitarian diet and slowly eliminate meat from their diets.

 Best Vegetarian Meal Delivery Services

Sample Shopping List 

The main products to avoid on a vegetarian diet are meat, poultry, and seafood. There are many foods you can include with a vegetarian diet, and they don't have to break the bank. Fruits and vegetables can be purchased fresh, frozen, or canned, and organic or conventional. Beans are available dried or canned.

Keep in mind that this is not a definitive shopping list. If you are consuming a vegetarian diet, you may find other foods that work best for you.

• Vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, Brussels sprouts)
• Fruits (apples, bananas, pears, oranges, peaches)
• Beans and Legumes (pinto, black, cannellini, kidney, chickpeas)
• Grains (brown rice, quinoa, barley, oats)
• Nuts and Seeds (almonds, cashews, peanuts, flax, chia)
• Eggs
• Tofu
  

Pros of the Vegetarian Diet 

People following a vegetarian diet may enjoy several benefits documented by research.

• A large variety of foods to choose from: Beans, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds are just the beginning of what you can eat as a vegetarian. You may even discover new foods you hadn't previously tried.
• May aid weight loss: A vegetarian diet may help you reach and maintain a healthy weight, and some researchers even believe that a vegetarian diet can help you live longer.2 Whether you lose weight depends on how many calories you consume, not necessarily on the source of the calories, but fruits, vegetables, and legumes are lower-calorie sources of nutrients.
• Better for the environment and animals: Many people follow a vegetarian diet to promote the ethical treatment of animals. While some animal products are consumed (if you consume eggs and dairy), this diet does not promote the farming of animals for slaughter. There is also evidence that a vegetarian diet is better for the environment.3
• Reduced risk of diseases: Several studies have shown that those who consume plant-based diets experience a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, cardiometabolic risk factors, and some cancers.2 There is also evidence that a plant-based diet may have preventative effects against high blood pressure,4 diverticular diseases,5 eye cataracts,6 kidney stones,7 and gallstones.

Cons of the Vegetarian Diet 

While the vegetarian diet has many benefits, it also has a few drawbacks to consider.

• Potential nutrient deficiencies: The main downside to this diet is that nutritional deficiencies are possible if you don't follow a well-balanced eating plan.
• Processed vegetarian foods can be unhealthy: Vegetarian diets may minimize the risk of certain diseases. However, consuming too many processed vegetarian foods can be unhealthy and lead to unwanted weight gain.
• Lack of certain vitamins: Nutrients that may be lacking in a vegetarian diet include vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, and zinc.8 In addition, without meat and seafood in the diet, it is possible (but not likely) that your protein intake may be lower than recommended. This can be avoided by consuming plenty of beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy.
• Potential for dependence on processed foods: Processed vegetarian foods, such as meat alternatives, cheese-like products, microwavable meals, and other convenience foods can be high in calories, fat, added sugar, and excess sodium. If your meal plan includes many of these foods, you are less likely to gain health benefits while on a vegetarian diet. In fact, researchers have found that an unhealthy plant-based diet (including sweetened juices, refined grain products, fries, and sweets) is associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease. Until your body adjusts to this way of eating I suggest you only try this type of diet on a part-time basis. One week on and one week off.
•  Look for my podcast by searching “How Bad Do You Want To Lose Weight” on the podcast app that you use. You’ll see a piece of my book cover.

• Also, follow me on Twitter @gertsraymo70369 to get a link to my latest posts.

  
  

  If you want to lose your body fat look for my e-books at the websites listed below. You’ll get information on Healthy eating, exercise, and diet. Instead of spending hours on the internet reading dozens of posts, you can save time by picking up one of my e-books. 

  
  

  There are two e-books. “How Bad Do You Want To Lose Weight?” is available at all the online bookstores selling for $3.99. Go to any of the websites below and search the title to find my e-book. This book gives you all you need to lose weight without spending money on gym memberships, diet plans, or meal plans. 

  
  

  Look for my book. at Amazon.com, bn.com, iBooks, Kobo.com, Scribd.com, or Gardner Books in the U.K.

  My new e-book is available on Smashwords.com and other online bookstores. Just type “getting to a Healthy Weight” in the search box at the top of the home page. 

  
  

  
  

  
  
  

  
  

Diets And Why We Do It?

There are many different reasons why we diet. One all-encompassing reason is that we don’t feel good about ourselves. It’s a feeling we have that for some reason we’re not the way we use to be. Sometimes this happens over a long period of time and because of our busy lives, we tend to ignore our feelings. We wait until our condition is out of control and then we see a doctor and hope he can fix it. Doctors treat symptoms. So they might put you on a diet, but they might just check your vitals and send you home with a prescription. I believe in watching out for warning signs, paying attention to your body, and don’t ever put anything off. Having said that, I know that many young people today go without health insurance because of the cost and I understand that that’s a good reason for self-monitoring. Keeping your weight under control will help your body work properly.

When a person first reaches adulthood (about age 21) her body is fully grown and her organs might take a year or so longer to fully develop, it depends on the person, but at that time that is the size you're meant to be. Of course, if you are overweight at that time, losing some weight will probably do your body some good. I know that child obesity is a problem today, and this is something you should take up with your doctor, every case is different depending on the age and development of the child. There’s no one answer that can apply to all children. And the reason I mention this is because adult problems with weight are much different from children's. And because an adult is fully grown we can deal with weight problems in a similar manner, that’s not true with children. Just because you overweight doesn’t mean your child should be overweight. And a child can’t diet the way you diet just because they’re heavy.

I want to get back to adults and why we diet. The biggest reason and I mentioned it earlier is that you’re not feeling good about yourself. Sometimes this is more physical and sometimes you just want to look better. So when it’s physical, it’s generally because we’re tired all the time. It’s harder to make that flight of stairs, It’s harder to walk thru the mall or you just get tired too easily. And if this is your problem you need to ask yourself some hard questions. So many times people will blame these types of problems on their age. “I guess I need to slow down. I’m overdoing it.” This is a typical response. We do nothing about our weight because we decided our problem is our age. I’m 70 years old and I can do just as much as my kids. I wash both cars in my driveway on Saturday morning, and I can work alongside anyone over 40. I feel like 40 because I never gained any weight and I don’t smoke. I weigh less now than I did at age 25 when I was in my best shape. Everyone has aches and pains, that’s normal, it comes with years of work and having small injuries over a long period of time, but if you stay active those little pains won’t bother you as much.

So, now the question is still “Why do we diet”. Why do we do it? Subconsciously we want to feel better and look better and we know if we can lose weight then that will fix everything. And how do we do this, well we tend to take the easy way. “If I just eat less, I’ll lose weight.” Well starving yourself might work for a few weeks, but no one can keep it up. It’s not sustainable. So the weight comes right back. Some people have to go on a diet. The doctor says you have to. This is not unusual, this happens more than you might think. So now there are three reasons why most people diet.

Personally, I believe that most of us who want to lose weight, just want to look better, want our clothes to fit better, and want to wear the same type of clothes as the others. Plus size clothes don’t have the same style as normal sizes and when you try to ware normal sizes everything bulges. You actually make yourself look bigger than you are.

So how do we do this the right way, so the weight stays off? You have to change your life. I don’t know If you watch The Today Show or The Weather Channel, but if you have you know Al Roker. Al’s story is an excellent example of how a person who struggled with his weight from childhood and how he finally got it under control after 20 years of struggle. Al wrote a couple of books about losing weight and there a good read. If you want some inspiration, his books will really work. He had to undergo gastric bypass surgery. I’m not advocating surgery, but that’s what his doctor prescribed.

“Today Show” weatherman Al Roker has often spoken about his struggles with weight. But in a column published on Today.com Thursday, Roker revealed that his weight issues took a toll on his marriage to size-four Deborah Roberts. His advice to the “thin half” of mixed-weight couples? Stop nagging your partner to lose weight.

“Here’s the thing, I say to the person in the couple who’s not struggling with their weight: Shut up. We know we’re fat. We know we need to lose weight,” Roker wrote. “You're nagging us and pleading with us doesn’t help. In fact, in ways it makes it worse.”

Roker said nothing will change until the overweight spouse decides that it’s time to get healthy. When he finally did (he has lost more than 100 pounds since undergoing gastric bypass surgery in 2002), he said he and Roberts began participating in healthy activities together.

“It’s not that we don’t love you; it’s not that we don’t care. It’s just that right now, we’re not prepared to deal with it for whatever reason, whether it’s emotionally or physically,” he wrote.
A recent study found that mixed-weight couples, in which the wife is overweight and the husband is not, experienced greater conflict than other couples, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday. Another recent study revealed that those in happy marriages may gain weight, while those in unhappy marriages tend to lose weight.

I think it’s important that you know being overweight can cause many different problems in your life and those problems can carry over into the lives of your family. If you want a happy life, then you want to “get healthy” and set a good example for all the people around you. Even if you feel good today, being overweight will catch up with you. Being overweight will age your body faster than you. Being overweight is a young person in an old body. If you don’t want to be a walking drug store, someone who takes a dozen prescriptions every day, then maybe it’s time to start eating healthy and taking control of your life.

Look for my podcast by searching “How Bad Do You Want To Lose Weight” on the podcast app that you use. You’ll see a piece of my book cover.

Also, follow me on Twitter @gertsraymo70369 to get a link to my latest posts.

If you want to lose your body fat look for my e-books at the websites listed below. You’ll get information on Healthy eating, exercise, and diet. Instead of spending hours on the internet reading dozens of posts, you can save time by picking up one of my e-books. 

There are two e-books. “How Bad Do You Want To Lose Weight?” is available at all the online bookstores selling for $3.99. Go to any of the websites below and search the title to find my e-book. This book gives you all you need to lose weight without spending money on gym memberships, diet plans, or meal plans. 

Look for my book. at Amazon.com, bn.com, iBooks, Kobo.com, Scribd.com, or Gardner Books in the U.K.

My new e-book is available on Smashwords.com and other online bookstores. Just type “getting to a Healthy Weight” in the search box at the top of the home page.