For over 20 years I have been treating overweight patients and "yo-yo dieters". I have finally determined that weight gain is generally caused by lack of one or more of the following conditions:

1. Lack of Protein
Protein stabilizes blood sugar. When blood sugar falls, the body is hungry. All meals should contain a sufficient amount of low-fat protein, particularly avoiding shellfish and pork.

2. Lack of Fiber
The presence of fiber in the diet creates a sense of fullness in the stomach. Fiber binds with dietary fat and removes it before entering the blood stream. All meals should contain a sufficient amount of fiber, which can be easily achieved by always including a vegetable, whole grain and/or a fruit at every meal.

3. Lack of Potassium
Potassium drives sodium and excess water out of the body. Excess sodium in the body results in water retention, which can lead to a "puffy" look. For snacks, choose high potassium fruits, such as watermelon, oranges or bananas.

4. Lack of Moderation
Overindulgence in anything is not good. Eating small, balanced carbohydrate-to-protein meals throughout the day helps maintain energy level and helps avoid extreme hunger, which may lead to overindulgence. Preparing meals ahead of time and avoiding regular restaurant eating will also help with moderation.

5. Lack of Exercise
The rate at which your body burns calories (basal metabolic rate) is dramatically affected by regular exercise. Exercise daily for 6 days, for 30-minutes at a time, alternating between a day of resistance exercise (weights) and a day of aerobic exercise (running, biking, etc.). Focus on intensity, not on endurance. Rest every seventh day.

6. Lack of Water
Dehydration "fools" the body into thinking it's hungry, not thirsty. Proper hydration is also critical in the fat metabolizing process. Urine should be clear. If you are not urinating once every two hours, you are most likely dehydrated.

The MotherSOY® Diet Plan for Vibrant Health and Long Life

Breakfast: Start you day with a MotherSOY® Breakfast Smoothie
Mix 2 scoops of MotherSOY® protein powder in a blender with 16 ounces of cold juice or other healthy beverage. Blend until smooth and drink immediately.
Click Here to View our Favorite Recipes

Lunch: Eat a satisfying, healthy lunch that consists of low fat protein sources and green vegetables.

Dinner: Eat a salad and/or soup with a side of healthy protein.

Judge all of the foods you eat by the following criteria:
Is it Heart Healthy, Diabetic Friendly and Free from Artificial Ingredients?

Added Tips
Always leave your meal hungry. Your body takes time to send the signal that you are full.

Drink only pure water at meals. Flavored beverages can dilute and even destroy the enzymes that are necessary to properly digest your food.

Finish a meal with an herbal tea. Herbal teas can help you relax and aid in digestion.

Between Meals: All snacks should contain one or more of the following: high protein, high fiber or high potassium. If a snack is devoid of these ingredients, it may work against you. Also, prefer snacks that are low in refined sugar, saturated fat and/or artificial ingredients. Good choices are: fruits, nuts and/or seeds.