Key Concepts Index

Become an Expert

Severely obese people usually know a lot about calories and popular diets, but almost nothing about how and why food transforms into body fat, the real science of human nutrition, how dieting affects their need for food, how weight is gained, and what influences their appetite. Having the right knowledge empowers a person to make good choices about their health and diet and helps them to think in ways which are positive and empowering.

Most of us assume we know quite a lot about how to shed extra pounds. We assume that we know quite a bit about human nutrition because we've read our share diet books and we pick up quite a bit over time from our family and the media.

Out with the old and in with the new

A key concept of success is to throw all that "knowledge" out of the window and start over. Become an expert. The science of human nutrition has been expanding at an astonishing rate. Much of what we grew up with has been disproved, modified, or updated. The diet gurus have been shoveling false and unproven information at us for years. Much of it gets repeated so often that we assume it is backed by good science. It rarely is. Unfortunately the only thing good or effective about the majority of it is that it's very effective marketing strategy.

The new

What if you had a life-threatening illness and you had to treat it yourself? Wouldn't you attempt to study all the latest scientific facts about it so you could make the wisest choices possible in your own behalf? Of course you would. Morbid obesity and Binge Eating Disorder are indeed life-threatening problems. And, even though you will be getting some help, nearly all of the treatment is in your hands.

Talk to health professionals not diet gurus. Read books written by actual independent medical researchers who regularly publish their studies in peer reviewed literature. In nearly all cases they will be associated with a major university. Go to web sites that aren't selling products and have no interest other than disseminating honest information to the public. Review multiple sources for your facts. Be a critical thinker. Learn all that you can about the science behind human nutrition, good health, and the biology and psychology of weight loss. Gain an in-depth understanding of how different types of cholesterol effect your health and how obesity effects your risk for various diseases.  Learn how to prepare whole natural foods so that they are interesting and delicious. Learn how to use herbs and spices to season your food instead of salt and sugar. Learn how to properly exercise so you don't hurt yourself or exacerbate existing weight related problems.

Real knowledge is empowering. When you combine what you've learned from a wide variety of experts, you not only empower yourself with wisdom, you become expert enough to become a role model for other morbidly obese persons who still need help.

• Key Concepts Index
• First Things First – Establishing a stable pattern of regular eating.
• Refuse to be "Powerless" — Realize that you do have choices. Don't give your power away.
• Become Health Centered – Focus on improving health. Weight loss is a byproduct.
• Keep A Journal Of Your Foods And Moods – Gaining awareness is empowering.
• Eat Like A Healthy Person – Eat healthy whole natural foods now.
• Empower Yourself – Use every tool and resource necessary.
• Educate Yourself – Become an expert on nutrition. Forget what the diet gurus say.
• Don't Go Hungry – Eat your way to optimum health. Hunger only leads to binges.
• Act As If – Act yourself into a new way of thinking. Action precedes motivation.
• Dump Perfectionism – Progress is good enough. We learn from our mistakes.
• Easy Does It – Practice moderation and have realistic goals. Practice self-compassion.
• One Day At A Time – Focus on today and worry about tomorrow, tomorrow.

Dave's web site is for informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace consultation with a professional dietician, nutritionist, physician, or mental health professional. None of the information presented on this web site is intended to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any medical ailments or conditions.