Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about making changes for the new year. If you’ve vowed to lose weight, starting January 1, you may be tempted to go all-out. Nutrition experts at UT Southwestern Medical Center say that could be a bad idea.
Dr. Jo Ann Carson, a registered dietitian at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says the key to losing weight and keeping it off is long-term behavioral changes. Starving yourself for quick results could damage your health. To get results, take a three-pronged approach. Change your diet to include nutritious, low-calorie food in smaller portions. Focus on lean proteins, low-carbohydrate vegetables and high-fiber foods. Exercise regularly, and include strength training. Developing muscle will help you look leaner. It also helps to work on the buddy system. Find a friend with similar goals and encourage each other.
Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/patientcare/medicalservices/nutrition.html to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in nutrition.
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December 2007
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