Michael Moore: Poster Boy For Weight Loss

Documentary film maker Michael Moore has tackled General Motors, the health care industry and the capitalist system itself, but his biggest challenge may be himself.

After filming his movie “Sicko,” Moore got religion about his own health and decided to go on a diet. Since then, he says he’s shed about 70 pounds and has another 70 pounds to go to reach his target weight.  See his before and after photos.

He said started his diet after last Christmas and the difference is  clearly noticeable in what was once a 300-pound frame. He hopes to lose the rest of his weight by then end of April 2010, on his birthday.

How’s he doing it? In a recent interview with Moviefone, a film web site, he gave this advice.

“You have to virtually eliminate these three things from your daily diet: salt (or sodium), white flour (or processed flour) and sugar (or corn syrup),” he said.

‘If you can just get by without those three things and move around during the day a bit, you’ll see a tremendous difference in how you feel and how much weight you can lose.”

“Also, I’ve noticed overweight people have these three things in common: We all drink diet soda, but never lose any weight because it’s so packed with sodium that it actually works against you, because it’s breaking down the cellular structure by retaining fluid.

“Number two, overweight people sleep less than seven hours a night; they never get a full night’s sleep, which causes eating during the day to make up for it because you’re tired, you need energy.

“And number three, we never eat.

Moore also hired a personal trainer for his staff and dramatically changed his diet.

He lost more than 30 pounds in the first three months, and was able to lower his blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar to normal levels.

Specifically, he says he walks 30 minutes to 40 minutes a day. “Sweat a bit,” he says.

Eat oatmeal for breakfast every day. “I eat at least 35 grams of fiber every day. Eat foods that are heavy in weight but low in calories,” he says.

He blows off virtually every other diet plan. “Like every overweight person, I’ve tried everything. Weight Watchers, no white food, etc. None of them work, and they’re a huge waste of time,” he said.

Linda Michalsky, an assistant professor of clinical nutrition at UT Southwestern Medical Centre, offers these tips to help keep in shape over the holidays.

Gather your friends and relatives for a talk-as-you-walk after the meal and circle the table two or three times before getting seconds or dessert.

Limit portions to half or less than half what you would normally take for everything but your favorite dish.

Michalsky advises to wait 15 minutes to 20 minutes before going back for seconds or dessert. If you cut a piece of pie/cake in half, someone will immediately grab the other half.

Use smaller plates, she says. If you only have large plates, leave some room so that part o the plate is visible.

Drink a lot of water between other beverages and choose a seat away from the food tables.