Running into a brick wall: the minus 4 kilograms (about 9 pounds) barrier
Many of my patients report a mysterious experience: they run into a brick wall once they have lost 4 kilograms (about 9 pounds). The average weight loss after two months of practicing the HARAPEKO method is 4 kilograms. In order to lose weight beyond that barrier, it seems necessary to burn off calories by taking plenty of exercise, or to count and control the daily intake of calories. I’m sorry to say that for many people, the HARAPEKO method has not been the wonderful dream method thanks to which they could easily achieve their ideal weight.
Does it nevertheless make sense to practice the HARAPEKO method?
These days, I often hear my patients say “Doctor, it is just as you said: thanks to increasing the times I feel hungry, I have not only lost weight, but I also feel much healthier.” Hearing my patients say so makes me really happy. These patients look energetic and happy, because they feel good. Many among them say that it is the first time that they have successfully achieved weight loss. Seen from this viewpoint, and given the fact that just by going hungry for a while before each meal you can achieve weight loss without any expense, I believe that the HARAPEKO method is really useful!
Once you have become used to practicing the HARAPEKO method, your weight will remain quite stable. I’m a bit embarrassed to sing my own praises, but I believe that among the countless dieting methods that exist in the world, this is the most LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability)-friendly method to lose weight. On the other hand, it is obviously not the method with the most dramatic results.
Whenever I recommend the HARAPEKO method to my patients, I am painfully aware how difficult it is to lose weight. It is really, really hard. I think the most important thing is to be very determined to strictly keep the main rule. The thought “I’m really hungry!” may be your daily companion while you are practicing. But this is not necessarily something to be unhappy about. Feeling hungry for a while every day may actually be the key to a happy and healthy life.