Slight modifications don't cut the mustard

I was discussing and debating the issue of fat loss and improved health with Teri Evans

(one of our amazing instructors at Serious Strength) and I held fast to my position that small modifications in the diet just don't cut the mustard.

I believe that for fat loss to be achieved and sustained and, for noticeable improvements to be made in a person's overall health, dramatic changes in how a person eats need to be undertaken - at least for most of us.

Teri was right however - little changes or modifications can be beneficial. Changing from cola to water or switching from Wonder bread to whole spelt can absolutely help a person lose fat and have better health.

A little.

But most people want (and need) a lot.

Cutting down from a pack of cigs a day to smoking only 9 is certainly better. It will improve your lung health - comparatively. But it ain't gonna work in the long run to get you to quit or to allow your lungs to heal.

To quit, you have to quit, period. And the folks I know who did  quit successfully did it cold turkey. The 'patch' almost always fails - although it is a small modification in the right direction.

However, if you want swift and sustained fat loss and 'optimal' health (or as close as you can get to it), and most of us do, you've got to:

1. Overhaul your entire kitchen (out with the bad, in with the good)
2. A good radio or CD player in the kitchen to make the environment pleasant
3. Cook and plan every meal and brown bag it - except on rare occasions
4. Buy the stuff you need to make the cooking environment comfortable and easy (good pots and pans, utensils, etc.)
5. Cook books on a shelf at the ready
6. Favorite recipes in a folder on your desktop computer for easy printing
7. Notes on your bulletin board chock full of positive reinforcement statements
8. Shopping list with the food items you must never run out of (for me it's Red Devil hot sauce  - yum!).

And mustard,

by the by, is a great low cal, low carb condiment! (Just avoid the ones with corn syrup).

Are you ready for the BIG change? Your body is!