What Is the Weigh In Now Diet?

What Is the Weigh In Now Diet?
Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images

The Weigh In Now Diet is a three-phase weight-loss plan designed by Dr. Lawrence J. Suchoff, a chiropractor practicing in New York, New York. His office may be an unreasonable distance from you, but the principals of his diet plan might work for you anyway.

The Name

The name of the diet, Weigh In Now, forms an encouraging and positive acronym, WIN. It is helpful to begin a new weight-loss venture with a positive attitude, and the name reminds you that this plan may help you win your battle against fat. Also, the name implies a sense of urgency; it's meant for those who are seriously ready to start losing weight immediately.

Phase 1

In phase one, the doctor meets with his patients in a group orientation. He then meets privately with you to determine your specific goals. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, this approach to weight loss -- including supervision -- provides a lower-stress environment than when trying to diet alone. Less stress usually produces better, more sustainable results. Dr. Suchoff then provides patients with a list of foods and a schedule for what to eat and when. Additionally, though, his plan includes acupressure as a tool to decrease appetite and increase satiety. While studies are still inconclusive as to how effective acupressure is for weight loss, the Chinese have been using this method to produce "self-healing" for centuries. The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine is conducting research to investigate the efficacy of this weight-loss tool. Dr. Suchoff says that patients should expect to lose 3 to 4 lb. per week without being hungry during phase one.

Phases 2 and 3

Phase two is a slightly less restrictive four-week plan where you add some other foods back into your diet. The doctor states that steady weight loss should continue through this phase. Lastly, phase three moves you into your maintenance phase where you learn to eat the right amount to keep your weight within 2 or 3 lb. of your final goal. The Weigh In Now diet also advocates several general healthy ideals to incorporate into your eating plan, including getting enough sleep, turning off the television to promote more activity and nurturing an optimistic attitude.

How to Bring the Diet Home

New York City is a long way off for most people, so you might ask how the Weigh In Now Diet would be a benefit. The design of this plan is sound and has been historically effective, so take his concept and design your own WIN program. First, you will want to meet with your health-care provider to establish your goal. Also discuss your personal calorie target, which will depend on your age, current weight, gender and activity level. Remember that the highest percentage of weight-loss success comes from supervised programs with regular weigh-ins and a level of accountability, so you will want to incorporate that into your own program. Whether acupressure is an effective tool to aid your weight-loss efforts, you might consider using it to supplement your traditional efforts. The Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies confirms that acupressure is a safe way to reduce stress, and it helps your body to be strong.

Warnings

Before beginning any new diet or exercise program, it is very important to discuss it with your doctor. For the best results, you might want to consider choosing a doctor that specializes in weight issues.

References

Article reviewed by Jane Misters Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments