As
the author of the Optimal
Performance program, I want to tell you about my experience with the
Weight Loss Cycle. I had used the Basic Program to train my body to use fat as
a fuel. I use the strategy in Energy on Demand when I need to be at my best
whether for a time of day, an entire day, or for an event that lasts a week.
I’ve used the approach in the Fat-Burning Plan for years. Here’s my experience
on the Weight Loss Cycle.
My
goal was to lose 16 pounds in six weeks; normally I recommend no more than two
pounds a week. I determined my caloric intake based on my exercise program and
activity level. When I didn’t meet my weekly weight loss goal, I decreased
calories for the next week. In those six weeks, I lost 12 pounds and almost
three inches off my waist. I missed my overall goal, but because I began after
already losing over 30 pounds and maintaining it for a couple of years, it was
unrealistic to lose the remaining weight in that short a time; don’t make the
same mistake if you choose to use the Weight Loss Cycle.
The
Weight Loss Cycle explains how to maintain the lost weight and what to do until
you decide to do another cycle. I chose to ignore it and went back to my
typical caloric intake just to see what would happen. It took eight months to
gain back the 12 pounds. The reason I did that was to show that if you’re going
to lose weight and maintain it, you have to defend the weight you lose by
adjusting your calories to maintain that weight.
The
Optimal Performance program isn’t
based only on my personal experience. In addition to keeping up on the science
on weight, metabolism, and physical training, I have over 30 years experience
in the field of weight loss and physical performance. This isn’t one of those
“do as I say but not as I do” situations; I’ve lived it, I know it’s possible,
and you can do it, too.
My Goals for
2019
I’m going to limit my goals
to physical changes; my blood pressure, blood lipids, and other metrics have
stayed in the excellent range.
My goal is to lose 18 pounds by
April 15th—15 weeks. I’m going to break it into two six-week cycles with three
weeks of maintenance between cycles. The reason for that weight loss goal is
that it will put my BMI into the normal-weight category. I’ve never been there
in my entire adult life.
At that point, I’m going to
spend the next six months adding seven pounds of muscle while losing the
remaining fat around my waist to get it to an actual 34 inches. I’ll use the
Fat Burning Plan in a three-day cycle every week. That takes me to October
15th.
If I can accomplish those
goals, I’m going to maintain the weight, muscularity, and body fat to the end
of the year.
Those
are my goals and I’ll write about my progress. But while this Memo was about
me, the real question is what are your weight loss or weight gain
goals and how are you going to achieve them? Remember, you can use any diet you
want with the Weight Loss Cycle. It’s the process that will make you successful
to get to the weight you always wanted and to maintain it.
Join
me for the journey.
What
are you prepared to do today?
Dr. Chet