We all want to see significant weight loss results when we start that new diet fad. The problem with this mindset is that you are starting a diet in the first place. What you truly need are permanent lifestyle changes. I know that isn’t what you want to hear, but as an endocrinology nurse practitioner, I can assure you that good old fashion nutrition and exercise is the only way to take your life back from obesity.

It has taken me a year and a half just to lose nearly 40 lbs. How did I do this? By gradually changing my eating habits. Am I perfect at this? Of course not, but I get up each day and put serious effort into making sure I’m feeding my body the nutrients it needs.

Spinach, sweet peppers and mushrooms will all be added to the pan this morning (with cooking spray) and made into an omelette to start the day.

I spend my day trying to choose foods that are lower on the glycemic index and thus require the body to produce less insulin (which makes us gain weight). Sure, you can choose a protein shake in the morning, but I find those types of habits never teach you how to eat real food.

Remember, this isn’t just about losing weight, it’s learning how to change your relationship food, learning how to love and nourish your body. This takes time. The weight didn’t go on in a month or a year, and it isn’t going to come in that time. Stay the course, keep moving forward, love and nourish your body….I promise it will thank you!.