Welcome to the ultimate guide to weight loss, where we’ll explore the 3 Ws of weight loss with wit and clarity. With so many weight loss apps and websites claiming to have the answer to your weight loss woes, it can be tough to know who to trust. But fear not, we’re here to help!

Let’s start with the first W – WHY. This buzzphrase has been around for close to a decade and for good reason. Your WHY is your beacon of motivation. It’s what keeps you going when the going gets tough. So, take some time to ponder your WHY when it comes to nutrition. Maybe it’s your family, your grandkids, a marathon, or downhill skiing until the ski pass is free. Whatever your WHY, it should be strong and worth fighting for.

Now onto the second W – WHAT. You know your WHY, now it’s time to figure out WHAT you’re going to do with it. What exactly is your plan? This is where we need to address weight loss apps and programs. While they may be great to get someone started on the right path, they do not teach you how to eat for health. Programs like these are geared toward weight loss, not fat loss. The goal should be to lose fat, not just weight.

Calories in vs. calories out is not the end all be all. We, as human beings, do NOT operate in a lab or nutritional vacuum. We need to eat for health and not just to lose weight. Cheap apps and programs that rely solely on a math formula are not programmed for critical thinking. They don’t teach you how to eat with your thinking caps on. Instead, they teach you to be dependent on them and their computer programs while paying their fees. This can potentially cause metabolic damage in the long term.

And now, onto the last of the W’s – WHEN. Once you know your WHY and WHAT, it’s time to decide WHEN you will implement your plan. Many people wait for fresh starts like the beginning of the week, month, or year. But we say, start now! Write down your goals and share them with someone you trust, or even better, someone who will hold you accountable.

Whether you’re dieting for a specific event or for overall health, remember that it takes an average of 66 days to create a new habit. So, don’t give up if it takes a while for your new habits to stick. And remember, calories in/out do not equate to health. Focus on getting animal protein in at each of 3 meals per day and your body composition goals often take care of themselves. Remember, plant protein doesn’t contribute to your daily protein goal of at least 1 gram of animal protein per pound of ideal body weight. Stop relying on calorie-tracking apps and learn to eat for your body.

As an experiment that I already knew the answer to, I entered my height and weight into both NOOM and WW. I am roughly 5’10” and 145 pounds. I entered my goal weight of 135 pounds. By the way, weighing 135 pounds is NOT healthy for me. But these are algorithms that are not programmed for critical thinking. They simply rely on a math formula and spit out a ‘plan’ for you to follow. Both programs are virtually devoid of actual nutrition, too. WW proudly states “No food is off limits”. This type of bad advice is what keeps them in business, sadly.

In conclusion, the 3 W’s of weight loss – WHY, WHAT, and WHEN – are crucial for achieving your weight loss goals. Remember to eat for health, not just to lose weight, and seek out professionals who can guide you on your journey. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, happier you.