Just move a little more and eat more fiber – it’s as easy as that

A few days ago I was in a large discount department store picking up a few things. In the checkout line there was an overweight couple placing their items on the conveyor. They were buying a large package of skinless chicken breasts (no fiber), a large beef roast (no fiber), and a Wii game remote control. Then I noticed that the cashier was nowhere to be seen. She soon returned from a special area of the store, carrying a Wii console (to go with the remote) as well as a Wii Fit game package. It all made sense to me then. The couple had decided to lose weight and become fit. Apparently their plan was to eat a low-carb, high-protein, near-zero fiber diet, and use the Wii Fit for exercise. All of this at a cost of several hundred dollars at the register, plus the potential health risks of following a diet lacking in nutrition. I suspect in a few weeks or months, the Wii won’t be seeing the light of day. Since studies show a low-carb diet is nearly impossible to stick to long term, it will also likely be abandoned. Any weight lost will probably return, in amounts greater than before.

It would be much more effective, healthier, and cheaper to simply eat more fiber foods, and stop eating when not hungry. Fiber foods satisfy and prevent hunger, causing you to eat less. They also contain vitamins, anti-oxidants, and phytochemicals not found in foods that contain no fiber. This is a simple plan that can be followed for life. Add to this just a little more activity – take 10,000 steps per day, for example – and the pounds will melt away. No Wii required.


The author submits this blog posting as a health educator and not in any other capacity. You should seek the advice of your physician regarding a personal health condition or before undertaking any diet, exercise, or other health program.