Gain Nutritional Sanity
with "the Power of One"

At first I was skeptical when I began reading Lose Weight with the Power of One by Stephen Moss. My skepticism comes from constantly reading the same regurgitated fitness information over and over. I can honestly say that the Power of One is different.

Stephen Moss is both a novelist and a certified personal trainer. The Power of One is a combination of his two areas of expertise. It's a nutritional guidebook written in the form of a novel. I've enjoyed reading it so much that I've decided to make it available through my office for a limited time. Feel free to call my office and reserve a copy. If you don't agree that it's worth the small investment, I'll buy it back!

Throughout the book, Fowler teaches Karen nutritional sanity through eight simple strategies. These eight simple strategies can fit into anyone's lifestyle so they can develop their very own power of one. Listed below are the eight strategies along with my comments.

The Eight Strategies

1. Reduce the amount of fat in your diet to as low as possible.

My two cents: We all need some fat to be healthy but you will get the right amount of fat simply by following the strategies. Tips on how to do this include purchasing lean cuts of meat and cutting off any visible fat before cooking. Also, replace fatty dairy products with low fat substitutes. For example, use 1% instead of whole milk.

2. Eat breakfast.

My two cents: Eating supportive foods can have a very positive impact on metabolism. Why not take advantage of that immediately after waking up? Eating breakfast will also prevent you from over-eating in the middle of the day.

3. Reduce the amount of sugar in your diet to as low as possible.

My two cents: You may have to be somewhat of a sugar detective to follow this strategy. Just like anything else, you'll get used to it over time and your blood sugar levels will thank you for it by remaining stable. Once you are used to reducing your sugar intake, you won't crave it as much.

4. Do not bring any factory made snacks, meals or refined flour products into your home. Use foods that are as close to natural as possible.

My two cents: I couldn't agree more. As a general rule, ask yourself this question before bringing food into your home. Would a caveman have had access to this food? If not, don't bring it home unless it's truly one of your favorites.

5. Drink Water.

My two cents: Believe it or not, studies are now showing that the consumption of water helps to burn fat. It might be a good idea to have a glass with each meal plus sip some periodically throughout the day.

6. Stop eating when you are approaching full, but have not yet swallowed the lead-filled beach ball.

My two cents: In other words, eat until you are satisfied but not bloated. There is a difference. Learn how much food brings you to that point and try to stick to having that amount

7. Eat often.

My two cents: Eating small frequent meals throughout the day is a great way to speed metabolism (get your body good at burning through food). I recommend eating every few hours a lean protein, a complex carbohydrate, and a fibrous vegetable.

8. Every once in a while, when the urge or circumstance dictates, forget about the other strategies.

My two cents: I call this the "treat day." Once per week, take half the day and throw out the other strategies. This is beneficial both emotionally and physiologically.

It's not too often that I endorse a book but Stephen Moss is really on to something here. You won't find a specific diet to follow or boring scientific jargon. You'll find basic understandable truth that works. Feel free to send me questions about the book and/or its characters. This book may change your outlook on the new year and maybe your life, so order a copy now by calling (631) 225-7831. I can even bring one to our next session.