Lose Weight Now Before it is Too Late

It was about 25 years ago I met Diane and Kaitlin at our church. They were 11 and 12, I was in college. We quickly became friends and I would take them places that were free (since most college students are poor).

Diane and Kaitlin came to my college graduation ceremony, were the guest book attendant and a bridesmaid at my wedding, and came to the celebration party for my first child. My husband and I took them to Six Flags Magic Mountain, concerts, and other fun places.

Diane always had a weight problem, and as she got older her weight greatly increased. We didn't realize how serious it was until I got a call from Kaitlin on Thanksgiving Day, 2006, a little after 7:00 in the morning.

Kaitlin told me that Diane had died of a heart attack the night before. Her family and her friends were all in shock. She was 34 years old. She weighed over 350 pounds.

Anyone who is overweight is very likely to die at a younger age than someone who is underweight or at their optimum weight. They are also very likely to suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Diane had all three.

Research continues to support the importance of a low-fat diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables to promote permanent weight loss. As you work to lose weight, keep the following in mind:

•Do not skip the first meal of the day that is the breakfast

•Indulge in regular workouts

•Eat a balanced diet

•Drink plenty of water

•Avoid consumption of fatty foods, including junk food (sodas and sweets especially)

When you sit down to eat, keep in mind that doctors recommend we stop eating before we are full and that we eat slowly. Studies have revealed that it is beneficial to eat a little less than we need, whereas it is detrimental to our overall health to eat until we are full, or worse, too full.

If you are a parent of young children, there are things you can do to teach healthy eating habits to your children now. This will help them maintain a healthy weight as children and later as adults. It will also help them learn healthy eating habits for life.

Provide them with whole, natural foods for meals and fruits and vegetables for snacks. Training their taste buds when they are young will make it much easier for them to eat healthy when they move out of the house years later. Just as important, it prevents them from becoming obese as children and continuing to be overweight as adults.

Diane didn't expect to die so young. She was a sweet young lady and was loved by her family, friends, and co-workers. At her funeral many of the people she worked with stood up and told how they missed her smiling face and optimistic attitude. One person said there was nothing bad they could find to say about her.

Diane is gone, but it's not too late for you. If you are overweight, whether it's 20 pounds or 200, start reducing your intake of food right now. If you are dangerously overweight, you will want to consult a doctor on the best way to reduce your weight to a safer level. You might even consider surgery, although that includes risks as well.

It is possible to lose weight. Many have succeeded in losing hundreds of pounds. If they can do it, you can too. Just set your mind to do it. Lose weight for yourself, for your family, and for your friends.

Carol Stack has written numerous articles about health related subjects. She lives with her husband, three children, and various cats and dogs in the United States. Carol and her sister Barbara have started a site that focuses on improving your health and offers healthy recipes that are simple and easy to prepare. Visit the site at http://www.healthyrecipesandmore.com