“Results are results – I saw successful weight loss, didn’t I?”

Many people do lose weight on high protein low carb diets. Instead of fat, however, they're initially losing more water than anything else -- and it quickly returns once off low carb diets. They seem to see successful weight loss, too, because low carb diets restrict many foods, resulting in eating less than usual.

The big question is: Is it really successful weight loss if it doesn't stay off? For most people, if weight loss is achieved quickly and with a restrictive method such as a diet that does not allow for individual likes and dislikes, then lost pounds will return, along with discouragement, defeat and even more pounds than before. What’s more, high protein low carb diets may also increase risk for health problems such as osteoporosis, cancer, even heart disease. A healthy intake of whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables -- often on “avoid” list in high protein low carb diets – appears to help reduce this risk, and is mainstay of a sensible plan to achieve weight loss success.

Create your own weight loss success story.

Despite what you hear about high protein low carb diets, there's little evidence that weight loss success is truly (permanently) achieved. What's more, disordered eating behaviors are usually reinforced by high protein low carb diets, adding to struggles that low carbohydrate diets and other diets are supposed to solve. Stop dieting now and start living a healthy lifestyle that truly leaves you feeling good!

What will be on menu? A simple, healthy meal with some added festive touches will not only impress your guests, but it will truly be enjoyed by all - especially you! Many holiday menus start with roast turkey. Roasting a turkey or turkey breast is relatively simple, but most grocery and/or meat markets will roast it for you. Serve it with Brown Rice Pilaf or Wild Rice Pilaf (both recipes from new edition of Green Mountain's cookbook Recipes for Living). Add dried cherries or cranberries, chopped toasted pecans and chopped fresh parsley for a festive touch. A colorful tossed green salad could be as simple as a bag of mixed field greens with orange segments and red onion rings. Garnish with a slice of herbed chevre (goat cheese). Serve with Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette (another Green Mountain favorite). Take advantage of sweets and other treats of season that your local bakery will surely be making; order a tray of assorted cookies, for example. Serve with a scoop of raspberry, lemon or tropical fruit sorbet in holiday dishes. Or if you want a real "wow" but simple dessert, try Marinated Strawberries in Phyllo cups.

Make Yourself a Priority

This is bottom line for holidays that you really enjoy. Remember, if you take care of yourself first, then you're much better equipped to take care of everyone else. But women just don't tend to do that. A survey last month of 1000 women revealed that while almost all women would enjoy doing something for themselves like taking a walk or an aromatic bath, most spend less than 30 minutes a day nurturing themselves…and almost 10 hours a day caring for others! Clearly, we're out of balance here. Now there's a great gift - gift of more time for you!

No More New Year's Resolutions to Lose Weight!

The staff at Green Mountain at Fox Run wishes you happiest, healthiest holiday season ever. Our other wish for you is that you approach New Year not with another resolution to take off pounds gained during holiday season. Instead, we wish that you enjoy season without thinking about body size, instead caring for yourself in a way that allows you to go through season feeling vibrant and well. The truth is that most of us may put on a pound or two during holidays when wonderful foods abound. But if we're tuned in to feeling well, and supporting our bodies with sensible enjoyable eating, regular physical activity, stress management and positive thinking, those extra pounds won't be permanent. With this lifestyle in place, we'll find our weight returns to its natural, healthy place once abundance of holidays subsides.