Don’t let the holiday season derail your ambitions for healthy eating. Weight gained from bad eating habits can take nearly half a year to lose, according to research findings in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Curbing your appetite with the guidance of diet and weight-loss programs work for some. But it can be overwhelming to stay on track and find what’s best for you.
Like many trying to lose weight, Martha Eline, senior product owner at Colonial Life, needed something different. She needed a change.
That’s when she discovered nutritional counseling.
With the guidance of her nutrition counselor, a licensed and registered dietitian, Martha was able to better understand how her body uses food to maintain and improve her health. And guess what? She loves her results.
“I’ve lost 12 pounds thanks to the help of my nutrition counselor,” she said. “My doctor is so pleased with my progress that she cut my cholesterol medicine from 20mg to 10 mg (I’ve taken the 20mg dose for more than 20 years!). I feel better, have more energy and enjoy working towards my quest to a healthy lifestyle.”
Moderation and awareness of your food intake is a huge factor to success. And that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the foods you love.
“I can have the occasional ice cream cone and not feel guilty,” she said. “It’s all about being mindful of what I eat on a daily basis.”
Accountability and setting realistic goals can help you feel your best self. Something as small as 5 percent weight loss is considered a significant health improvement.
“People sort of think of nutrition counseling as a last resort, and they think they will miss their favorite foods,” said Laurie Mitchell, assistant vice president of Global Wellness & Health at Colonial Life. “That’s not the case: It’s like having a personal trainer for your diet.”
Colonial Life is one of a growing number of companies that offers on-site nutrition counseling for its employees. The costs of these services may also be covered at 100 percent under medical plans that focus on preventive care.
Martha continues to see her nutrition counselor monthly, and she loves seeing her improvement towards a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Want to learn more? Here’s some additional resources:
