Year 1985 |
Year 2011 |
You may be interested in losing a few ... or maybe quite a few ... pounds. If you are serious about it, I invite you to consider joining my program. Below are the FAQs about my program.
Q. Is your program really free?
A. Absolutely. I don't charge a penny. In addition, you won't have to buy any special foods from me or anyone else and you won't have to buy any exercise equipment either.
Q. I may be more convinced if I knew what's in it for you?
A. That's a fair question, and it is a good idea to be skeptical. I owned a very successful investment management firm, and I would have never retired from it if making more and more money had been my only goal. According to the "happiness experts", only 10% of a person's happiness comes from material wealth. True happiness comes from helping others, and I have derived enormous satisfaction from helping people lose weight.
Q. What qualifies you to teach?
A. I wish I could say I have a degree in nutrition. I am a graduate of Stanford University, but my degree was not in nutrition. However, I have taken nutrition courses at the local community colleges. My wife and I regularly read four newsletters dealing with health and nutrition. Besides, the basic principles to achieve weight loss are quite simple; it isn't rocket science.
I use my personal weight loss experience as the basis for this program. I lost 15 pounds more than 25 years ago. And I have managed to keep the weight off. My emphasis is on gradual weight loss that can be sustained indefinitely. In most commercial weight loss programs, the emphasis is on rapid weight loss, not on maintenance.
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Year 1985 |
Year 2011 |
Q. What is the method used in the program?
A. I promote eating less and moving more. Of course, it is easier said than done. To help you stay on course, I provide a very important ingredient, motivation. I act like a coach, to keep you from giving up during difficult times, and staying the course. I also set short term goals and help you achieve them. Since my only reward is your success, I do my best to help you succeed in your weight loss goal.
Most diets fail, because they dictate what people should eat. We all have different food preferences and it is extremely difficult to adhere to a diet that alters our usual eating pattern. I therefore provide only guidelines. I refrain from telling you what you should and should not eat. And here is the best part: You won't have to count calories or keep the dreaded food diaries.
Q. Will I have to prepare any special foods or stay away from certain foods?
A. No and no. Mostly, you will still eat the same food you and your family are used to eating.
Q. Will I have to join a gym or an organized walking/hiking group?
A. No. However, I strongly recommend that participants undertake some form of exercise, either on their own or by joining a group.
Q. How long have you been offering this program?
A. I first offered the program in 1997. It was then offered through the Los Altos Recreation Department.
Q. What is my time commitment?
A. A new class starts in January. The class is held either on Tuesdays or Thursdays, depending upon the preference of the majority of participants. The class runs from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The class is held every other week for the first two months. Then, it is held every three weeks. The classes end in December. Though you may not be able to attend all the classes, I have found a direct correlation between frequency of attendance and success at losing weight.
Q. Isn't two or three weeks a long time between classes?
A. Yes, it is. However, communication is maintained between classes via e-mail and occasionally, with phone calls. Your progress will be tracked on a weekly basis. The program is designed to minimize disrupting your busy life.
Q. What is your class size?
A. I limit the number of participants in each class to seven. This helps me give individual attention to each participant.
Q. Where are the classes held?
A. The classes are held at a location near Grant Road and Foothill Expressway in Los Altos.
Q. Are there any limitations on who can join the program?
A. Yes. This program is available to residents of Los Altos and surrounding communities only. Participants should be between the ages of 18 and 60, though exceptions are sometimes made.
Q. How do I enroll?
A. Send an email with the following information: Your first and last name, home address, phone number, age, height and weight.
To enroll, or for more information, contact Dinesh Desai.