California, here we come! In the United States, 50 percent of the adult population, or over 50 million people, are overweight. Of this amount, 5 percent are morbidly obese. Many people turn to fad diets that promise unrealistic weight loss in a very short amount of time. Pills, potions and diet patches fail to achieved the desired results in the long run. People lose weight, only to gain it back as soon as the diet is over. Frustrated by failed attempts at weight loss, many dieters are investing vacation time to address their body-image issues. California is home to a diversity of vacation destinations focused on physical fitness and weight loss.
Visit Your Doctor
Prior to booking a flight and planning your fitness vacation to California, visit your health care provider for a complete physical examination and evaluation of your weight loss objectives. Excessive weight gain may be the result of a medical condition or hormone imbalance. Your doctor can determine your optimum weight and help you establish realistic goals. Discuss a fitness program and any physical limitations that would hinder your participation in an exercise program. If you will be under the care of a California physician during your weight loss vacation, request that your medical records are forwarded to your caregiver. Contact the California Medical Board to locate a doctor or examine the credentials of a California physician.
Do Research
California is a mecca for plastic surgeons, diet doctors, physical fitness gurus, weight loss therapists, personal trainers and diet spas. All across California, luxury spas, wellness retreats, physical fitness programs and meditation centers vie for the traveler's diet dollars. Everyone claims they have the answer to permanent weight management. Choose wisely. Review licenses, accreditation and educational background of the physician or program that you entrust with your health. Verify that the trainer, doctor or dietitian is California board certified in her area of expertise. Ask for recommendations and results achieved by previous clients. Request to talk to former patients or clients, if allowed by privacy stipulations, and do not rely on "before and after" photos that can not be documented. Call the Better Business Bureau if you are in doubt about a "too good to be true" diet vacation package.
Physican Monitored Weight Loss
Select a physician-designed and -monitored weight loss/physical fitness program. Do not expect unrealistic results. Many people do not have the time or finances to commit to a two- to three-month program to achieve substantial weight loss. However, a spa or diet camp vacation can jump-start a diet program, build confidence and teach tips and techniques that enable you to stay on the program when you return home. Cal-A-Vie Spa (see Resources) in Northern California offers the ultimate in a weight loss spa. Guests are pampered from head to toe, and every want and desire is anticipated. Cal-A-Vie offers wellness evaluations, diet counseling, cooking classes, exercise programs, massage, and complete beauty and restorative treatments in a luxury setting high in the green California hills.
Summer Camp for Children & Teens
Many of us have fond memories of summer camp. Campers are offered time to relax, make new friends, learn life skills and just have fun. Today, summer camp for teenagers often means a strict and regimented "bootcamp" environment to lose weight and attain an attractive physical appearance. Overweight children and teens, feeling pressure from their peers and parents, may benefit from a stay at one of the many camps or spas that target this age group. Camp La Jolla is an established, 40-year-old national weight management program for teens with camps in California (see Resources). Camp La Jolla helps build self-esteem and craft eating habits and behavior changes to enable children and teens to live a healthy life, unhampered by excess weight.
Health Team Efforts
Instead of indulging in fast foods, sweet treats and cocktails that at the end of the vacation leave you nutritionally depleted, opt for fresh, organically grown fruits and vegetables. Incorporate exercise and calorie counting into your activities.
Extreme diet "bootcamps" help the vacationer knock off a few pounds prior to a wedding or event of importance. Although the weight loss is normally not sustained, the immediate goal has been met and you are slimmer for the "big" day. True, sustained weight loss only comes from hard work, dedication to a goal and a change in lifestyle that focuses on physical fitness, stress reduction and strength training.
For long-term results, choose a diet destination that emphasizes healthy eating habits that can be maintained for a lifetime. The St. Helena Napa Valley Health Center offers long-term solutions and weight management techniques to support you on your journey to wellness. A physician, psychologist, dietitian and behavior therapist works with each patient individually to reinforce goals and eating modifications.
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