HOUSTON – Getting started on a weight loss program can be a big challenge for those looking to get fit. There are so many diets promising quick results, the options can be confusing.
However, there is one plan that aims to balance diet and lifestyle changes.
In a marriage that's lasted more than 30 years, Shimon Bouskila and Orna Bouskila have much in common, including their desire to lose weight.
"I've been trying up and down, up and down every diet possible," Orna Bouskila said.
"For the last 20 years, I tried all kinds of diets and nobody gave me what I feel now," Shimon Bouskila said.
When all else failed they turned to chiropractor and nutrition specialist Dr. Marc Weinberg for help.
"It's about healthy lifestyle and that's what I pitch," Weinberg said.
Although there's no one-size-fits-all approach, Weinberg typically starts by getting patients to eat whole, organic foods for several days, followed by an 800-calorie-a-day cleanse for five days.
Once the detox is done, the lifestyle change begins.
"I can honestly say the biggest problem that people have with weight is lack of eating; the less you eat, the more you gain," Weinberg said.
Weinberg helps rev up the metabolism with several meals a day that are low in calories and rich in nutrition.
"A real diet should be about 70 percent vegetables, 10 to 12 percent lean meat, 10 to 12 percent fruits and about 6 to 8 percent beans and rice," he said.
It's a combination that's working for the Bouskilas.
"I'm starting to see my weight loss, yes," Orna Bouskila said.
"Really, I'm very happy. I lost 12 pounds in two weeks," Shimon Bouskila said.
Doctors stress that any detox diet should be done with proper supervision to avoid potentially risky side effects.