At least twice weekly, I have a patient who is interested in taking a weight loss drug such as  phentermine, a commonly used cheap weight loss drug  that suppresses the appetite.  It can  increase your calorie burn with the risk of an elevated heart rate.  It is not a safe drug.  I once had a phentermine patient with a heart rate of 200 in the emergency department (ED).  Phentermine works better in combination with a healthy lifestyle.  Most patients do well when eating at least three healthy meals daily and drinking plenty of water.

However, I say why take phentermine once daily when you can do a weight loss food three times daily and achieve a similar result with less health risk.   All of the clean fuels (oatmeal, whole grain rice, whole grain or vegetable pasta, white and sweet potatoes, beans/peas, and corn) are associated with smaller waist lines.  I frequently prescribe drugs that require you to take a medication three times daily so it is not a big stretch to eat a certain food three times daily.

I feel the best way to begin this journey is to start one meal at a time.  For example, I took several months mastering breakfast before working on other meals.  Breakfast is easier to change because most people eat the same breakfast food daily.  I eat oatmeal 3-4 days weekly, and will have Special K Cinnamon Pecan Cereal with almond milk the other days of the week.  This first step led to early weight loss.

From there, I cooked a vegan dish every weekend  until I found something good enough eat.  Early on, I combined these dishes with whatever my wife cooked.  Then, I started putting together meals once I developed a working list of foods my family would eat.  I lost 30 lbs by the time I mastered breakfast and lunch meals.

Of course the other way to start the journey is to abruptly alter your entire diet.  While many have success doing this, most patients are unwilling to take that plunge so readily, and have entire pantries or refrigerators solely responsible for housing the most vile of foods, dirty fuel.   Many will find it difficult to dispose of so much food. It is quite a feat to confront and give up foods you may have consumed your entire lifetime.

In conclusion, the best way to start out strong is to get in the habit of consistently preparing  and eating clean fuel foods and treating it as a medication you should take three times daily.