Is the Quick Weight Loss Center program right for you?

If you are like the average portly American, by now, (mid-January) you have abandoned your New Year's resolutions and resumed use of your lifetime membership at Mickey Dees. I am not one to criticize American culture (my own) or anyone else's culture for that matter; but, it is undeniable that American's cope with a unique set of challenges when it comes to weight loss.

In a country this large it is no surprise that we must rely so heavily on automotive transport. There are few metro locations where a car is not considered a necessity. Consider Atlanta. From afar Atlanta is the very picture of all things metropolitan. Upon closer observation one realizes that the public transportation system is all but a joke and even the suburbs are hostile pedestrian environments. In many neighborhoods you find that sidewalks only continue for blocks at a time. A mile long gap in sidewalk along four lanes of traffic is hardly pedestrian friendly. It may seem that one only has two choices, hop in your car and get chunky, or get run over attempting to get fit. However, things are not as bleak as them seem. Though our sedentary, fast paced lives, lend us to obesity, there are a million plans vying for your attention promising to rectify the situation. I've tried quite a few but was particularly pleased with my results with a particular program as of late.

Typically several things discourage the would be dieter from following through with their weight loss goals. Topping the list of these contributing factors is the absence of a structured plan and support system. If you feel that these are among the things holding you back from pursuing your ideal size, QWLC may be a good choice for you. I spent the majority of 2005 and a portion of 2006 attempting to formulate and stick to an effective weight loss plan. By November of 06' I had lost 3 lbs. Initially I felt the scale was not moving because I was near my ideal weight. (It is common knowledge that the last 10 pounds tend to be stubborn.) However, 3lbs after months of exercising and cutting back can not pass for progress. I am now entering phase 2 of the QWLC plan and I am 20 pounds lighter than I was just 3 months ago. My progress was retarded a bit by the frequent deviations from the plan. Some dieters loose up to 3 lbs a week on this plan. The plan does not require that you incorporate exercise into your routine but I was already completing 60 minutes of aerobic activity four times a week when I began. This may have helped offset the damage done by my frequent deviations.

The program has three phases, weight loss, stabilization, and matainence. During the weight loss stage you will be a on a reduced calorie diet that restricts your sugar and carbohydrate intake and relies heavily on protein as a calorie source. Quick Weight Loss Centers offer consistent support through their mandatory weekly counseling sessions and diet journal review. Following that you will begin stabilizing or reintroducing all restricted foods to your diet. This stage allows your body to adjust to taking in a normal amount of calories and allows you to determine precisely how much your body needs to maintain a stable weight. After this crucial phase, your final stage begins. The standard package includes 52 weeks (one calendar year) of matainence. During this period you may visit the center at will for support and guidance in maintaining your goal weight.

I found the diet journal to be the most helpful part of the plan. Though it is no secret that keeping a journal of all that you consume increases your chances of success, having someone review your journal periodically adds a sense of accountability that has an incredible impact on your motivation. Though there really aren't any revolutionary aspects to the plan, the support from the counselors makes all the difference in the world.

If you are willing to commit to being more active and formulating a reasonable plan that you will be able to incorporate into everyday living, there is no doubt that you absolutely can achieve your fitness goals this year.

Good Luck and Happy New Year!