Sensei Talks  

Fitness Magazine surveyed “1000 women 18 and older” for their February issue and “found that most of the women want to lose at least 30 pounds and almost three-quarters have dieted or are dieting right now.” Interviews with a psychologist and a registered dietitian point out what Denise Brody, Editor in Chief of Fitness calls the “boot-camp mentality. They’d like to lose their extra weight in a week and then not think about it again, but it’s a long term struggle…nobody can do this for you.”

Dr. Gerard Musante, author and psychologist says that overweight people have difficulty knowing “where to begin and what to change in their own lives to control their weight.” Dawn J. Blatner, registered dietitian, reminds us that “It takes dedication to healthy choices and fitness day after day.”

Experts recommend a structured and healthy weight loss plan, reducing portion sizes and caloric intake and adding exercise to your daily schedule. These women were “willing to make bizarre trade-offs for ideal weight” None of which involved healthier eating, exercise or any cogent plan at all. I’d love to believe there's a miracle diet out there waiting to be discovered. But I know the truth and it is a simple thing, you are what you eat!

What are the “Bizarre trade-offs Women are Willing to Make for Ideal Weight”?

23% would spend a week in jail
23% would shave their head
22% would wear a bikini on TV
21% would trade 10 years of life
85% would rather have an extra toe than 50 extra pounds

In addition to ‘bizarre, extreme and drastic’ their choices sound painful, embarrassing and labor intensive. This is the first list I’ve ever seen that makes diet and exercise appealing. Wouldn’t it actually be easier to cut a few calories and exercise just a little? Nearly a quarter of the women polled were willing to make the trade-offs. Your turn to choose...will I see you at the gym or on TV with a shaved head wearing your bikini and waving your extra toe?

- Nancy