
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, December 30, 1994                   TAG: 9412300098
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: NANCY GLEINER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOSE?

If you've reached the six-pound weight gain of the average American this holiday season, take heart! Take another Christmas cookie! There's no need to resolve, then to dissolve your pledge, to ``lose --- pounds this year.''

In his new book, ``Hugs From the Refrigerator'' - that's hugs from, not for - Dr. James McClernan says resolving not to diet is the first step toward long-term weight loss.

In his opinion, the goal obsession in diet programs sets the stage for failure. Rather than focus on the top of the mountain, he suggests you change the steps it takes to get there.

Here are some of his reasons to rethink this year's promise:

Diets lead to impossible expectations. Someone who strains the seams of a size 16 isn't going to diet down to Cindy Crawford's proportions.

Diets are about control and discipline, two forces we spend our lives rebelling against.

The ``cheesecake factor'': The minute you swear off your favorite food, you crave it more.

Dieting ruins your disposition. Depriving yourself of foods you enjoy isn't going to make fun to be with.

Dieting is lonely. It's hard to nibble on celery when everyone else is eating chips and dip.

Dieting is stressful, a prime factor in binge-eating, which leads to stress, which leads to ...

McClernan suggests following a plan that aims at a healthful lifestyle rather than a goal-oriented diet.

So, after you have that cookie, peel a carrot. And have a healthful year!

by CNB