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Q&A with eDiets Dietitian Donna M. De Cunzo, R.D., L.D.

Q: Donna, would you please tell us about yourself?

A: I am a Registered and Licensed Dietitian who specializes in weight management and wellness. As Director of Nutrition Services for eDiets, I provide program members with technical expertise in nutrition, health and wellness-related areas. I developed the eDiets.com program for Women, Men and eDiets.com Healthy Eating program based on my experience in my former private practice.

Q: We all know the frightening statistics regarding the fatness in America. Are we losing the weight loss battle?

A: When we consider the facts, about 97 million adult Americans -- including about 40 million baby boomers -- are overweight and 39 million Americans are obese, we realize the battle is just beginning! These numbers have also increased between 10 and 40% in the last decade alone. American's lives have changed so radically. We went from a nation of farmers through the industrial revolution, and today we enjoy the benefits of space-age technology and suffer from the effects that technology... namely inactivity, fast foods, and unlimited extremely large portion sizes!

Q: What are, in your opinion, the major components of a successful weight loss program?

A: Prior to writing the weight loss program I spent a considerable amount of time researching what makes weight loss programs effective and have discovered some common elements. These include: An individualized, sound nutrition plan; exercise; stress management; behavior modification and support. I therefore incorporated these components into eDiets.com

Q: What is usually missing in commercial programs?

A: A "one-size-fits-all" program requires the individual to conform to someone else's idea of a meal plan. The staff usually has spent just a few weeks learning a few concepts and they are therefore limited in their counseling abilities.

Weight loss is a sensitive topic for many people. While there are several established "brick and mortar" weight loss organizations, many people feel intimidated at the prospect of being thrust into a group situation, or that these programs are just plain inconvenient.

Q: What are some strategies you suggest in getting past the tough first two weeks?

A: Support is key. With eDiets.com, the individual has the ability to constantly be in touch with others who have the same goals. Another strategy is to focus. Begin to concentrate on your goals. Education is also important. Read all you can about nutrition. Get your information from legitimate sources. We publish newsletters with valuable information about good nutrition.

Q: What do you recommend for people who do not have enough time to factor exercise into their diet?

A: The goal is weight loss and maintaining that loss. Exercise is part of the plan to succeed. What is exercise? It can be as simple as taking a brisk walk every evening, but make it part of your day. Start small...and work yourself up. It's not necessary to make exercise something that you dread, but something that's enjoyable.

Q: How do you suggest dieters maintain their willpower during the difficult "plateau" phase?

A: A plateau phase is just a time where your scale is balanced...where you're taking in as many calories as you're expending. So, tip the scale... increase walking, fluctuate your calories. Change what you're eating, use the substitutions to increase the fiber in your meal plan.

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages, if any, of an online program versus an offline program?

A: Well, there are advantages to each. Online, face to face counseling is fine if you have the time and money for it. But, most face to face licensed professionals do not run group programs, and visiting a licensed nutritionist and/or MD can be prohibitive. Online counseling is great for people on the run, and who want a close support system. Also, it's completely individualized, which is not available in groups. The anonymity appeals to many people, who sometimes are reluctant to be so public about weight loss.

Q: What is eDiets?

A: eDiets.com, the leading diet and weight-loss center on the Internet combines convenience, personalization, privacy, and safe supermarket foods in an online alternative to traditional weight loss programs. To date, over 50,000 members have enjoyed the benefits of a virtual dietitian that creates customized plans, daily checklists, weekly updated grocery lists and provides both on and offline support. Over 770,000 subscribers receive eDiets.com's free biweekly health and diet newsletter.

Understanding that there is no one weight loss plan that works for all people, eDiets.com provides weight loss plans customized to each individual member. It does not matter if the member is a vegetarian who prefers to dine out, or an aspiring gourmet. The personal plans, updated weekly, are developed to reflect each member's unique lifestyle.