Kaiser Diet
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if your body mass index falls into the range of overweight or obese, you are at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, cancers, high blood pressure and liver and gallbladder disease (to name a few). The Kaiser Permanente Freedom from Fat program, or the Kaiser diet, offers information about nutritional needs and behavior modification. Trained weight-management specialists work with participants to complete this proven lifestyle-change program. The classes are designed to help a person lose weight, increase self-esteem, adopt a more active lifestyle and enjoy better health.
Get Started
Call to find out about Freedom from Fat and you'll be invited to an orientation to find out if this program is what you're looking for. Then, register and pay for the session (call your local Kaiser Permanente facility for current member/nonmember fees for this class). Purge your cupboards and refrigerator of obvious unhealthy foods--give yourself a fresh start. Find a support buddy (friend, relative or partner). Make transportation arrangements as needed.
Make Plans
Attend and participate in every class, if possible. Weigh in at the beginning of each meeting, in private. Learn keep a food and activity diary. Design and embark on a fitness plan that's in line with your present ability level and is safe for you. Purchase a good pair of walking shoes and use them. Learn how your body uses fat, carbohydrates and protein and how each affects your weight and health. Remember to focus on your own weight and health, not that of others.
Change Behaviors and Choices
Modify your weekly schedule to include time for the meeting, exercise and meal planning.
Learn to read and understand food labels. Add fiber to your diet while decreasing fat; learn about food groups and food safety. Practice setting reachable, short-term goals and reward yourself with nonfood items. Identify stressors in your life and brainstorm alternative behaviors with your group. Talk to your facilitator if you have a problem.
Your Healthy Lifestyle
Apply your new knowledge and skills to restaurant outings and parties. When a difficult food situation occurs, make a plan and stick to it. Try new recipes and modify your own to increase the food value and decrease the fat, sugar and salt content in your meals. Continue charting your food and exercise. Challenge yourself with new fitness activities; find higher-energy pastimes. Enjoy feeling healthier and keep the momentum going. Don't give up.
Tags: Freedom from, Kaiser Diet, Kaiser Permanente, weight health, with your, your body, your weight
