The "Big Buts" Between You and Your Pants

It's time for those skinny jeans to come out of the closet.

Are you holding onto an old pair of skinny jeans in the hopes of one day fitting back into them? If so, you’re not alone, says Leslie Van Romer, D.C., author of the new book Getting Into Your Pants (Advantage Media Group, 2008). “We all have a pair somewhere in our memory or buried in our closet.”

The first step to getting back into those pants, she says, is being honest with ourselves and overcoming our “big buts”—the excuses that sabotage our weight-loss efforts. Here, she tells how to prevent three of the biggest “buts” from coming between you and your pants.

• Yeah, but I get no support. It’s time to be your own best friend, says Romer. “Listen to your inner voice about the best foods: fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.”
• Yeah, but a little bit won’t kill me. Sure, one piece of pizza or one bag of cookies won’t kill you—at least not right away, says Romer. “But, if you fill up with fresh fruits, vegetables and grains, those ‘ones’ will drop away, along with the extra pounds on your hips, thighs, arms and stomach, adding years to your life.”
• Yeah, but I don’t like to feel different. You’ve got to be different to make a difference, says Romer. “That very difference can give you lots of fun along the way—especially getting into those pants.”

Whittle Your Waist With Whole Grains
There’s good news if you’re trying to lose weight, especially around your middle: By adding whole-grain foods to a low-cal diet, you’ll lose both body fat and waist circumference. In a study conducted at Pennsylvania State University, people who incorporated whole grains such as oatmeal and brown rice into their weight-loss programs had a greater reduction in percentage of body fat in the abdominal region than those who continued to consume refined-grain foods, such as white bread and white rice.

Fiber Pocket Guide
Did you know that doubling your fiber intake could help you cut 100 calories a day from your diet—and shave off 10 lb of yearly weight gain? If you’re looking to shape up this summer, you’ll want to get the new brochure from the National Fiber Council (NFC), Dining In or Dining Out? This free pocket guide provides a realistic look at how to add fiber to your diet without deleting the things you love. To order a free copy, go to www.nationalfibercouncil.org, or call (866) 749-5296.