40+ Pounds to Lose

[Site Administrator]

I've been yo-yoing for years. At one point, I was down nearly 60 pounds on Weight Watchers, but then gained it all back. I'm especially attracted to your program because I believe I have a strong physiological reaction to high glycemic index carbs, and that TYT will help me get that under control. Have you helped people with similar "addiction" issues? Also, it seems TYT is geared toward those who want to lose 15 or 20 pounds versus someone like me who needs to lose around 75 pounds. Are there program tweaks for those of us with a significant amount to lose? And finally, do you have any advice for preventing saggy skin, or is there no hope I'll ever wear a tank-top, even at a healthy weight?

First-- congratulations! Your decision to put an end to the vicious cycle of yo-yo dieting is a HUGE step toward permanent fat loss and optimal health. The TYT program is the last "diet" you will ever need to try. I look forward to hearing about your progress!

And yes-- I have had many former Weight Watchers (their posts are all over the forums), as well as many individuals who were exceedingly sensitive to high glycemic foods and especially grain-based carbs. You will be happy to learn that, provided you do not cheat, all the cravings should be totally gone-- or at least completely manageable-- by the end of the first week. Regarding the extra weight you have to lose: Here are my recommendations for accelerating the process safely, and effectively.

First, double up on the recommended dosage of fish oil right away.

Second, once you arrive at week three, the longer you stay with those eating guidelines and continue to avoid refined soy, dairy (except for plain yogurt and low or nonfat cottage cheese-- which I recommend adding at that point) dried fruit, fruit juice, grains, and chocolate, the faster your progress will be over the coming weeks. Be aware-- given your long history of yo-yoing, it may take a while to restore your metabolism to the level that the fat starts flying off. It's vital that you are patient-- especially during the first weeks when your progress may be slow.

Third, I recommend walking, stretching, and starting with a few repetitions of the different exercises from the phase 1 routine, two or three to start with. Work up very gradually. Please get your Dr.'s OK before spiking your heart rate into the out-of breath anaerobic zone.

And finally, I'd like to allay your fears about saggy skin! This program has several built-in mechanisms to prevent that unwanted consequence of weight loss. The first is the fish oil! Combined with an anti-inflammatory diet and ample fluid intake, it's great for retaining skin's elasticity. The second, is that you will be building a muscle base which will occupy some of the volume that you are simultaneously losing. And the third, is the fact that the fat loss you will experience on this program-- although dramatic and, more importantly, LASTING-- is not of an unhealthfully rapid nature as with bariatric surgery or starvation diets. As a result, it is highly unlikely to cause loose skin.

This program will work for you-- and it will never leave you feeling hungry, deprived, or exhausted. All you need is patience!