To some, the word dieting conjures up visions of denial, an extra portion of pasta, two more cookies, no more trips to a favorite fast food restaurant. To others, the word dieting brings back painful memories of heartless insults, hateful words and unjustifiable ignorance. Years ago, an overweight child would be referred to as pleasantly plump. Today, they are considered to be morbidly obese. The title of the book may be the same, but the words have dramatically changed. If you have ever been on a diet, either as a child or an adult, you can fully appreciate how difficult it was, and is, to regain that which you lost, self-esteem. Perhaps you will be able to relate, on a much deeper level, the problems encountered by someone who is overweight. Here is her story. "They used to say I was born with a fork in my mouth. I was always told to eat everything on my plate. Growing up in an Italian family, while our meals primarily consisted of pasta and bread, I wouldn't consider myself to be someone who ate constantly. The overriding factor contributing to my weight was sweets. My early childhood years were painful, to say the least. Attending elementary school posed many problems. Since uniforms were mandatory, I was unable to find a store that would accommodate my size. I was laughed at, made fun of, and as a result became extremely shy and introverted. I would always sit in the last row in class, did not have many friends, and realized soon enough I was not like everyone else. While my parents were always telling me how beautiful I was, I didn't believe it. Eventually, I withdrew. going through the motions of living a normal life, but not. Dieting was never mentioned, but was always in the back of everyone's mind.
As teenager, it was even more difficult to form friendships. It may sound cliche, but there was a boy who lived next door. I liked him a great deal, but he looked passed me, as did everyone else. To compensate, I read books, listened to music and thought that if I were intelligent enough, I would be included. It didn't happen. If I attended a high school function, I usually went alone, but was never asked to dance. I became used to being ignored. Especially difficult were those few times I went to the beach with a friend. I could never wear a bikini, but wore shorts on top of a bathing suit. Even though my body was perfectly proportioned, I was always self-conscious. The humiliation I felt when buying clothes cannot be fully explained. There were few stores then who carried my size. Thus, the clothes I did find were frumpy and dark. When I reached adulthood, my weight would fluctuate. While there were times I felt good about myself, the underlying pain was still there. I dieted a few times, but the weight kept returning. Every year, depending upon my weight fluctuation, I would have to buy new clothes. Eventually, all my clothes were plus size. I went into a deep depression, and it was only until I hit bottom, I realized I had to take action. I went on a detox diet and lost 60 pounds. It was amazing to me that the people who had ignored me, suddenly found me interesting. For the first time, I became popular. I was able to shop in "normal" clothing stores, buying outfits with bright and rich colors. Unfortunately, a few years later the weight returned. The struggle continues. While I am not at an ideal weight today, I am more confident than ever. I realized I had to love myself for who I was, not for how I looked to others. I dress for my size, and I am very happy. I am an intelligent and compassionate person, and my empathy for others is a result of understanding their pain. Today, I eat healthier and although the weight is still a problem, I have resolved that I can never be thin. More importantly, my self-esteem has been restored allowing me to begin dieting again, not for others, but for myself."
This story is a mirror-image of the problems many people face today. The ability to find a diet that truly works has been a daunting task for most. However, you may want to hear about a new diet program which, having read all the testimonials, produces positive results for many dieters. For over 15 years, this diet program has provided nutritionally balanced meals for its clients. For those who want to lose weight, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and save time and money, this diet program is a winner. Their plan consists of four weeks of different menus offering a variety of meals. The food is low in fat, sodium and cholesterol. The food is prepared within the guidelines of the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association. Based upon your preferences and other health information, this diet plan offers professional counselors who can determine the appropriate meal plan for you. Using a flexible meal plan, they ensure no money is wasted on food you do not like. In addition, this low-fat diet program has literally helped thousands of people who want or need to lose weight. More importantly, the weight loss is appropriately designed to lose two or three pounds per week. This is vital to keeping the weight off. Losing weight too fast is not only unhealthy, but can cause serious risks later on. Think, for a moment, about the story you've read in this article. Imagine how the events described by this individual can be completely turned around. Using this diet program can be a blessing in disguise. Her self-esteem and confidence can be raised to an even higher level using this diet program. Perhaps she doesn't realize just how much weight she can lose. On the contrary, she doesn't have to just dress to her size, but dress down to her size. Wouldn't that be a wonderful gift to give this remarkable individual? Take a chance, read Weight Shapes, do it for you, do it for her. Remember where she had been, and where she is now. Think of where she can go? This diet programs can, not only work for her, it can work for you as well. Whether you wish to change your lifestyle, lose unwanted pounds, or live a healthier life, this is your opportunity to make it happen. It doesn't have to be a difficult process but one that will enhance your life.