Chef Dave’s Corner

Have you ever noticed how many people will almost always choose the path of least resistance when it comes to diet and exercise? I was in the locker room at the gym and a woman next to me was grumbling that she had forgotten her swimsuit for water class. I suggested she go the gym floor and walk around the track or use a treadmill. “I don’t have my workout shoes.” I pointed out it was a beautiful, sunny, warm day and maybe she could go home and go for a walk and enjoy the changing leaves. That suggestion didn’t meet with much enthusiasm. I left the gym and enroute to the parking lot I encountered her coming towards me. I asked her where she exited the building since she did not pass me on the way out. She pointed out a back door and as she continued her walk to the car she said, “It’s easier.” What are the chances she went home and took advantage of the time and weather?

The path of least resistance is easier but it doesn’t get you where you want to be. Think about the people you know who have been successful in business or in their profession. They got there with hard work, effort, planning, and commitment. Weight loss and weight maintenance is no different. If you are relying on willpower to help you achieve your physical activity or weight goals, your successes will be short-lived.

Some people think weight loss surgery is the “easy way out.” This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Every successful post operative patient I know tells me that success after surgery comes with hard work everyday.

As you are going through your daily activities, think about where you choose the path of least resistance. Do you make excuses to limit physical movement? Do you always choose the elevator or escalator when you are able to climb stairs? Do you choose drive thru meals rather than grocery shopping and preparing healthier meals? Do you choose junk food snacks because it is too much work to wash an apple? The path of least resistance….. it doesn’t have to be your path.

Eat Smart,
Vicki Bovee, MS, RD

I was fortunate to recently attend The Obesity Society’s annual meeting in Phoenix. This is a great educational opportunity for me since researchers from all over the world present their latest findings in weight loss and weight management. One of the best sessions I attended was about food cravings, presented by Dr. Corby Martin from Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

It may come as no surprise to you that the number one food craving is for chocolate. Cravings are not a result of food deprivation or nutritional deficiencies. So the old excuse of “my body must be missing some nutrient because I am craving _________ (fill in your food)” doesn’t amount to a hill of beans or Hershey’s kisses. Dr. Martin’s research found that people have two to four craving episodes a week and will yield to the craving about 80% of the time. That can add up to a lot of extra calories!

There are many ways to deal with food cravings but the best solution may be prevention.
People who are following a structured weight loss plan report less food cravings. In other words, following a prescribed diet plan can reduce the cravings. Structured eating has more benefits than just reducing cravings