Sensible Weight Loss

Every year Americans spend more than $30 billion on the weight loss industry, especially on "gimmicks" that don't work. Unfortunately, there are no magic potions or pills that can help people lose and maintain weight safely. Here are a few suggestions for healthy lifestyle modifications:

• Eat a variety of foods.

• Increase your daily activity, thereby increasing your metabolism.

• Avoid skipping meals.

• Choose a diet moderate in simple sugars.

• Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol.

• Choose a diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits.

• Monitor and log portion sizes.

• Set specific, realistic goals. Do not use weight loss as a goal. Rather, create goals based on exercise and portion control.

Tami Donnelly, RD, CD
Outpatient Dietitian
Froedtert Hospital

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.