Oh my gosh, I was robbed this morning. I have a magic wand that I place next to my bed every night and when I woke up this morning, it was gone. Foiled again. I long to bring the magic today, to give everyone the body of their dreams. I want them to feel like a million bucks  What’s a gal to do? How do I give searching souls what they want?

Many people come to my office with the goal of losing weight. Our culture tells us that if we get thin, the world will become a magical place. We will have the money, the car, the partner, the clothes of our dream. How much money is spent chasing this pipe dream? People want to know what they need to “cut out”. They want “a diet”. They come in search of the magic. I watch patients, family members, friends lose weight, gain weight, lose weight, gain weight. The 40’s hit and it's simply gain weight. No loss in sight. Weight loss clinics abound offering the magic, for quite a price I might add. The food plans that I see are calorie restrictive, often highly processed foods, liquid supplements. The body is shocked. This works for a few. For most, once food is added back, the weight begins to climb.

I wonder, rather than deprivation, giving up the foods you love, would be you be willing to add something?  There are many delicious foods that are simple to prepare. What would you like to add?  Often the response is, “I don’t know how to cook”, “Healthy foods taste like cardboard”, “I don’t like salad.”  I will let you in on a little secret, (whisper voice) fresh food is easy!  A little olive oil, salt and pepper, some lemon juice perhaps and, oh wow, magic happens right in the kitchen. It doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. Wait….I found my wand. It’s in the kitchen. Food is magical medicine. Our bodies love it and respond in magical ways. Nourish yourself by adding a fresh food to a meal every day for a week. Notice how you feel. Give your body the boost it’s longing for and find your magic.