With all the commercials promoting weight loss programs and selling dietary supplements, it can be really difficult to sort out the fact from the fiction. If you check the fine print at the bottom of the screen, there are enough disclaimers and asterisks to make a lawyer go cross-eyed!
What bothers me the most is the misrepresentation (some more blatant than others) of the efforts these spokespeople actually made regarding their weight loss. Take Jared for example - there's no denying that he lost an amazing amount of weight (almost 250 pounds), but it wasn't just because he started eating Subway sandwiches. He changed his lifestyle by introducing daily physical activity. He walked, took the stairs instead of the elevator, and increased the distance he walked as his energy level increased. I think this is actually a healthy and balanced way to make changes in one's life, and Subway does a little to convey this in their commercial - but it's still in the business of selling it's product and I think it over-reaches a bit.
More egregious (and more annoying) is the NutriSystem "spokesmodel" Jillian Barberi (I had no idea she was supposed to be a "celebrity" until these commercials told me so). In her commercial, she boasts of losing 41 lbs. simply by following the delicious NutriSystem program. A couple of key points were conveniently overlooked in this promotionon the plan. First, she was PREGNANT in her "before" photograph! Second, she employed the services of a trainer post-baby to facilitate the weight loss.
I don't have the time or energy to get into all the products and plans out there that promise weight loss. Whether it's acai berries, hoodia, or whatever the guy from Jersey Shore is being paid to sell, remember that it's all ADVERTISING! The whole purpose of commercials is to get you to buy their product or service. There's no money to be made in an advertisement that simply announces "eat less, choose healthy foods, and move your body."
So be aware when listening to how other communicate about their weight loss. Does the Hollywood celebrity claim to eat at Cinnabon? Well, if you want to get technical, what does it really mean? I would think it includes eating a Cinnabon; however, it could be construed as taking a taste of icing. To take it to a technical extreme, it could mean eating while in the building but eating something that you brought in yourself. After all, that's still technically eating AT Cinnabon. What about all those Starbucks cups? We have no idea what's in there, but I'd be pretty sure they're not the frappucinos with full-fat milk and tons of sugar.
There seems to be a status associated with down-playing what one does to lose weight, be healthy, or stay fit. "I eat all I want and I just don't seem to gain weight." "I pay attention to what my body craves." "I don't have an exercise plan, I just walk a lot and play with my kids." "I've never been on a diet in my life." Assuming that these people are telling the truth, they're in the vast minority. Most people have to make an effort to lose weight and to be fit. Most people either watch what they eat or watch their weight go up.
So be aware of the unspoken content when you're listening to someone else describe their efforts. Look for the context in which these efforts occur. Don't be afraid to question and dig a little deeper. If it's a plan worth following, it's worth understanding inside and out. If it sounds too good to be true ... well, you know the rest.
Food Log:
What bothers me the most is the misrepresentation (some more blatant than others) of the efforts these spokespeople actually made regarding their weight loss. Take Jared for example - there's no denying that he lost an amazing amount of weight (almost 250 pounds), but it wasn't just because he started eating Subway sandwiches. He changed his lifestyle by introducing daily physical activity. He walked, took the stairs instead of the elevator, and increased the distance he walked as his energy level increased. I think this is actually a healthy and balanced way to make changes in one's life, and Subway does a little to convey this in their commercial - but it's still in the business of selling it's product and I think it over-reaches a bit.
More egregious (and more annoying) is the NutriSystem "spokesmodel" Jillian Barberi (I had no idea she was supposed to be a "celebrity" until these commercials told me so). In her commercial, she boasts of losing 41 lbs. simply by following the delicious NutriSystem program. A couple of key points were conveniently overlooked in this promotionon the plan. First, she was PREGNANT in her "before" photograph! Second, she employed the services of a trainer post-baby to facilitate the weight loss.
I don't have the time or energy to get into all the products and plans out there that promise weight loss. Whether it's acai berries, hoodia, or whatever the guy from Jersey Shore is being paid to sell, remember that it's all ADVERTISING! The whole purpose of commercials is to get you to buy their product or service. There's no money to be made in an advertisement that simply announces "eat less, choose healthy foods, and move your body."
So be aware when listening to how other communicate about their weight loss. Does the Hollywood celebrity claim to eat at Cinnabon? Well, if you want to get technical, what does it really mean? I would think it includes eating a Cinnabon; however, it could be construed as taking a taste of icing. To take it to a technical extreme, it could mean eating while in the building but eating something that you brought in yourself. After all, that's still technically eating AT Cinnabon. What about all those Starbucks cups? We have no idea what's in there, but I'd be pretty sure they're not the frappucinos with full-fat milk and tons of sugar.
There seems to be a status associated with down-playing what one does to lose weight, be healthy, or stay fit. "I eat all I want and I just don't seem to gain weight." "I pay attention to what my body craves." "I don't have an exercise plan, I just walk a lot and play with my kids." "I've never been on a diet in my life." Assuming that these people are telling the truth, they're in the vast minority. Most people have to make an effort to lose weight and to be fit. Most people either watch what they eat or watch their weight go up.
So be aware of the unspoken content when you're listening to someone else describe their efforts. Look for the context in which these efforts occur. Don't be afraid to question and dig a little deeper. If it's a plan worth following, it's worth understanding inside and out. If it sounds too good to be true ... well, you know the rest.
Food Log:
- Meal 1
- 2 egg whites with red pepper, onion, and salsa (14g)
- 40g oatmeal (5g)
- Meal 2
- BIG salad
- 3oz chicken (18g)
- 4 tablespoons light salad dressing (There was a slight miscalculation with the digital scale. I thought the dressing covered the salad a little too well!)
- Meal 3
- Pear-apple
- Light string cheese (8g)
- 1oz almonds (6g)
- Meal 4
- Big salad
- 3oz chicken (18g)
- 3 tablespoons light salad dressing
- 3/4 cup brown rice (3g)
- Tablespoon of peanut butter (4g)
Exercise:
- Time: 60 minutes total body workout with trainer
- Calories: 350
Today's Weigh-In: 143.2
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