I wanted to link to a great
blog post by Irene Rubaum Keller. This fits in so well with much of what Dr. Gates tells his own patients.
The reason for being overweight isn't rocket science. It isn't even pre-algebra or 5th-grade math. It's because a person is consuming the number of calories that keep them at that weight.
This is how Rubaum-Keller, a Los Angeles-based physician who works with eating disorders, describes the "problem" of obesity:
I also still marvel at the fact that people continue to want to debate the fact that "calories in/calories out" equals how much one weighs. I think this must be part of some mass denial. If I decide I'm fat because of some other reason, then I don't have to take control of my calories in/calories out (which by the way is the only way to lose weight). I can blame high fructose corn syrup, large portions served by most restaurants, my metabolism (which if yours runs on the slow side you can choose to eat less or be fat), my lack of ability to exercise, etc...)
The solution? Burn more calories. Consume fewer calories.
After five months on the injections, I began a program of workouts using the 12-second Sequence. I put on a lot of muscle, and I spent the summer growing skinnier, even though I wasn't dieting or taking the injections (as a teacher/parent, my schedule goes crazy in June & July).
Rubaum-Keller recommends keeping a food diet. It's easy to lie to yourself and overlook/sneak calories you consume. When you keep an honest food journal--even writing down the Marble Slab Creamery ice cream or McDonald's value meal--you can gain control of the calories and find meaningful ways to cut them.
