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Maimonides doctor tells how to lose weight in 2018

December 28, 2017 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Kaitlyn Olivi of Yonkers, N.Y., and Lucas Pereira, of Sayreville, N.J., celebrate the New Year on Jan. 1, 2017 in Times Square. For those making New Year’s resolutions, Dr. Stephan Kamholz offered tips on how to keep them. AP Photo/Craig Ruttle
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If your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, you would be better off making small, incremental changes in your eating habits rather than go for broke by putting yourself on a starvation diet.

That’s the helpful advice that Dr. Stephan Kamholz, chairman of the Department of Medicine at Maimonides Medical Center, is offering to all of those people who are longing to shed those extra pounds. 

Each year around this time, Kamholz, who has been overseeing the Department of Medicine for several years, dispenses friendly advice on the best way to keep New Year’s resolutions. 

Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions that people make, according to researchers.

Last year, the website www.statisticbrain.com compiled the top five New Year’s resolutions stated by people in the U.S. and found that losing weight/eating healthier ranked No. 1 on the list, ahead of No. 2 self-improvement, No. 3 making better financial decision No. 4 quitting smoking and No. 5 do more exciting things.

But while many people start off on Jan. 1 with good intentions, they return to their old eating habits by the time Valentine’s Day rolls around on Feb. 14.

Kamholz said there are ways to achieve your weight loss goals. 

The first step is to be realistic, he said.

“It’s important to set reasonable goals to make your success easier to achieve. Don’t try to make too many changes at once. Set small, incremental goals within a larger goal,” Kamholz advised. 

Even making a few minor changes here and there can yield impressive results, according to Kamholz.

 

Among his tips:

 

  • Don’t focus on the foods you have to give up. Instead, try to add foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your daily intake.  He also suggests filling your plate with colorful produce to make sure that you’re getting important vitamins and minerals.

  • Take a walk! Regular walks reduce stress, strengthen the immune system and increase overall energy, Kamholz said. Walk instead of drive. Skip the elevator in favor of taking the stairs.

  • Increase your fluid intake by drinking plenty of water.

  • Focus on making a lifestyle change, not on “dieting.” Creating healthy eating habits can foster a long-lasting transformation.

 

Kamholz also recommended seeking out the support of friends and loved ones in your weight loss journey.

“A great way to improve your chances for success is to encourage loved ones to join you in these simple lifestyle changes,” he said. “Most people do better with the ‘buddy system’ and support from friends and family.” 

If you have health issues, however, don’t start a new weight loss venture without first consulting your doctor, Kamholz stressed.

 

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