Though I love this poem, I have to laugh at the final message.

‘Twas the month after Christmas, and all through the house,

nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.

The cookies I’d nibbled, the eggnog I’d taste,

and the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!

When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber)

I’d remember the marvelous meals I’d prepared;

The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,

the wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese.

And the way I’d never say, “No thank you, please”.

As I dressed myself in my husband’s old shirt

and prepared once again to do battle with dirt —

I said to myself, as I only can

“You can’t spend a winter disguised as a man!”

So — away with the last of the sour cream dip,

get rid of the fruitcake, every cracker and chip.

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished

‘till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won’t have a cookie — not even a lick.

I’ll want only to chew on a long celery stick.

I won’t have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,

I’ll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I’m hungry, I’m lonesome, and life is a bore —

But isn’t that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.

Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet

            Author unknown

So what’s your New Year’s resolution? If you’re like most of Americans the answer is lose weight. After the abundant holiday parties, countless family gatherings, and all the mindless eating, the average American gains anywhere from 5 to 10 pounds during the holiday season.  Keeping this in mind, how long do you think the average resolution lasts? Research reveals that many people don’t have the willpower to make their New Year’s resolutions last longer than a week. Attempts to quit smoking, lose weight or eat healthier would be far more successful if people would seek out the  support they need. Research has shown those who seek support are far more successful than those who go at it alone. There are so many weight loss gimmicks out there, promising quick, effortless weight loss. Think about it, if these diets really did work our nation wouldn’t be suffering the obesity epidemic it’s currently under. 

Knowledge is power, and that’s were those “weight loss” plans fail. They give you noting but rules, ask you to starve and deprive yourself and make you feel that you have to be miserable or take a handful of useless supplements in order to achieve success. Isn’t it interesting at how many different “diets” a person can follow in their lifetime and still be fighting the battle of the bulge. Most of the diets out there are noting but cookie cutter programs that focus on eliminating food groups, junking up on supplements or starving in order to make it work. Knowing exactly how many calories, carbohydrates, protein and fat you need is KEY to success not just on the scale, but for a lifetime of health.  With the use of our metabolic test we customize a meal plan specific to our client’s individual needs, no guess work involved or cookie cutter meal plans assigned. The difference between what we do and what those other so called “weight loss” plans do is that we give our clients the knowledge they need to be successful in their weight loss endeavor and to live the rest of their life “diet” free and as healthy as they can be! 

If you have a nutrition question you’d like answered in this column or if you like to schedule an appointment. Contact the office at 706-473-5801 or email us at oconeenutrition@yahoo.com

Lisa Eisele, RD, CSO, LD is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian. She also holds a Board Certification as a Specialist in Oncology Nutrition. Lisa and her partner Stacy Paine, RD, LD own Oconee Nutrition Consultants, LLC. Both Lisa and Stacy are also Certificated Specialist in Adult Weight Management. 706-473-5801