Ask Candid Candace: How to stay positive in Chicago and fad diets

Dear Candid Candace: I’m experiencing negative reactions from friends, family, even strangers for that matter, regarding my residency in the city of Chicago. Yes, like every other major city, we saw a decline in many areas during the pandemic. Certainly, we are facing a surge in crime, again, like many other major cities. If you are a true Chicagoan, despite the negatives, you remain so positive and excited about your city and all that it has to offer. I find myself getting defensive when people disdainfully say, “be careful” or “not a good time to live in Chicago.” How do I deal with the negative vibes from people? I’m getting fed up with these unsolicited opinions. Signed, Proud Chicago Resident

Dear Proud Chicago Resident: I think you answered your own question with the comments you made in your remark. I would tell naysayers exactly what you included: 1) Like every major city, we saw a decline here, too 2) If you’re a true Chicagoan, you remain positive and hopeful about your city. And no, I don’t have my head in the sand ignoring the many problems we have right now but, this city has survived so much and we’re still standing. Everything marches to a rhythm and, even though we’re in an unsteady place right now, it won’t last forever. It’s like Chicago’s winters….they're hell to go through but the spring light at the end of the tunnel makes us forget the dark days.

Dear Candid Candace: I am trying to get my wife off the “diet treadmill.”  Seems there are so many different methods and theories and techniques out there to lose weight and each, it seems, has its own marketing arm or famous person endorsing it. There are books upon books written about different diet ideas. She has tried many and never seems to stick with one. I suppose some of them are good and worthwhile, but I have always felt the best diet program is this:  Eat a little bit less,  eat a little bit smarter ( healthier), and exercise a little bit more. That’s it. That’s my diet program. No more, no less. Your thoughts? Signed, Dave the Diet Dreader

Dear Dave the Diet Dreader: I think you nailed it- Eat less, eat smarter and exercise more. Dr. Robyn Osborn, a dietician and educational psychologist in Indianapolis, explained why we keep falling for fad diets. “I think more people are put off by the fact that what we usually promote is life-long change. Fad diets are often programs you’re supposed to follow for just a few weeks.” So, you see Dave, I don’t think there is a quick fix for weight loss that is safe and effective. I’ve tried many of these fad diets myself with no lasting results. Most nutrition experts insist that the right approach to weight loss is to change your lifestyle- permanently.