Foreword

One of the most challenging issues that I face on a daily basis as an internist is that of weight gain or difficulties in losing weight. Each individual has a unique story of the endless cycle of renewed motivation, diets, intense exercise routines, struggles, and eventual frustration. Far too common, the success that is attained is often short-lived.

I have come to realize that although each person has a different experience, there is an overwhelming commonality. The desired weight that these individuals set only reflects a short-term goal - they need to be down to a certain weight within a predetermined time period. There is usually little thought as to how this weight is to be maintained even if they are successful in executing the plan. In time, the motivation fades, the old eating habits return, the weight is regained, and the cycle begins again. With each attempt, the emotional toll is great.

Win the Battle: My Journey to Healthy Living properly illustrates the broad approach necessary to attain the long-term goals of health and fitness. The author's surprising honesty with herself sets the proper attitude and commitment needed to achieve her wellbeing. The deeply personal accounts of her lifelong struggles with her weight and self-esteem provide the backdrop to which many can relate. Her knowledge of nutritional facts is accurate and presented in a practical manner. One can sense that, through her research and information gathering, she learned much about being realistic in setting an attainable goal with the appropriate mind-set, diet, and exercise. The tips that she provides for weight loss are very useful and can be used as a convenient daily reference. The suggested exercise training offers guidance for the novice as well as the advanced, and completes the comprehensive approach for good health.

I have often advised individuals that the success in weight loss comes in the attempt itself. The weight may fluctuate over time, but the benefits that arise from maintaining a sensible diet, regular physical routine and emotional happiness are long lasting. Inevitably, events and situations will surface to cause us to stray from our course. This author has recognized that being true to oneself is the first step in returning to the right path of healthy living. Along the way, we hope to interact with individuals who are supportive and inspirational to assist us in our efforts. The journey to the goal often seems long and arduous, but it is never impossible to achieve. It is indeed a lifelong endeavor.

Dr. Long Le, M.D.
Internal Medicine