ATD: Am I Losing Weight too Fast?

Hello – I have been on a calorie reduction diet for 8 weeks and some new developments have occurred. I am a 5′2 1/2″ tall female, almost 60 years old, and in good health. I began my diet at 129 pounds and the pounds came off very very slowly for the first 7 weeks. When I weighed 122, I lowered my caloric intake by an additional 100 calories (from 1,000 to around 900), started drinking 7-8 glasses of water a day, and walking 1/2 hour and doing a few floor exercises for abs.  This week I have lost 4 1/2 lbs! The weight is just falling off all of sudden. Can you explain this? It seems sudden. I am getting up several times a night to urinate. Should I be worried? Thanks for your help!  Susan P.
 

ATD: How Can I Avoid Stress Eating and Overeating?

Perhaps this is two questions but . . . I am a nurse and find that I tend to stress eat—any quick tips on how to stop that?  And in this same vein, any quick tips on how to stop overeating a meal one orders out?  –Thanks!  Amy

Dear Amy,

This is two questions, but I think there is one answer that will help them both, and that is keeping a food diary.  One of my favorite quotes is, “Awareness is the precursor to change”. You have to be aware of what you are doing before you can change your behavior. Knowing you will be writing down what you eat has most people stop to reconsider what they’re eating, why they’re eating it, and how much they’re eating. This can help reduce the amount of calories taken in.

ATD: How Many Calories Should I Start My Diet With?

Question:

I am a female, age 37, 5′4 feet tall and I weight 187 pounds.  I am trying to drop my weight to 145 pounds so I can maintain a healthy life style.  I entered my data in the “Calorie Needs” Tool and it comes up with Fat loss, Extreme Fat Loss and Maintance calories.  Where do I start?  Do I start with 1496 (extreme fat loss) to kick off my weight loss and change to the 7 day calorie cycle when I hit a plateau?
I just want to lose weight the healthy and safe way without diet pills and I need some guidance to help me through this.  Andrea

ATD: Help! My Family is Sabotaging My Diet Efforts.

Question:

Over the last year, I have lost close to 25 pounds following “You on a Diet” guidelines.  My question is this:  family and friends seem to want to reverse this positive trend by trying to trip me up at family parties.  I find my eating and dinner plates are closely monitored by a few family members (my in laws) and they comment on my selections in a nasty way–as in “what, only 1/2 a beef on roll sandwich?  That’s a lot of veggies–are you on a diet?”  But it draws angry and negative attention to me.  If I skip dessert, which I do, I get “Oh, someone doesn’t want to be as fat and round as the rest of us.”  They have even told me not to exercise as much–to not “over do it” when I was telling others that I had just run (to finish) my first 5 K.  I feel so angry back at them and hate to see them now and that will impact my marriage.  What do I say back to them?  How do I change this dynamic.  I feel so angry toward them all the time now and their angry comments circle around in my head.  Amy

ATD: How Many Calories and How Much Exercise to Lose Weight?

Question:

I am a 64 year old female, 4ft 11 in tall and weigh 176 pounds. How many calories a day should I eat to lose weight and how much walking would help?I have a bad back so walking is the only exercise I feel would be safe for me. thank you, cathy

Answer:

Dear Cathy,

ATD: Which Diet Plan is the Best?

Question:

I want to know the fastest, safest and best diet I can use to shed about 40 pounds.  I see you have reviewed lots of diets but I want to know the best diet out there.  I do not have any health problems. Thanks, Sharon

Answer:

Dear Sharon,

ATD: Nothing is Working – How Can I Lose Weight?

Question:

I am 54 years old and have always battled weight. I work 2nd shift and, and I’m genetically large boned.  Nothing has worked including doctor prescribed diet pills and anti-depressants.  I am tired of trying and spending money, what do you suggest.  Ruth

Answer:

Dear Ruth,

In order to lose weight you simply have to eat less and exercise more, consistently.  If you’ve been trying pills and programs you may have been looking for a quicker fix than is reasonable. Chances are, the eating habits you’ve had all your life including indulging in more calories than your body needs. Your exercise habits may lean towards inactivity. You have to come up with a way to eat healthier and get more activity into your day.

ATD: I Can’t Diet or Exercise, How Do I Lose Weight?

Question:

I am a 34 year old woman with two children.  I am 5 feet 3 inches tall and weigh 180 pounds.  I like eating non stop. I’m always hungry always at night and I like chocolate, cakes, and chips, pasta, rice, and bread. I can’t drink more than 2 or 3 glasses of water a day and I can’t go to the gym because I have to watch my kids. Are there any good fat burning pills you can suggest? Sumru K.

Answer:

Dear Sumru,

ATD: Are Diet Pills a Good Idea?

Question:

I weigh 180pounds and I’m interesting in trying to lose a good deal of weight.  I would like to know if any pills are the real deal and what side effects I should to look out for.  Sherma

Answer:

Dear Sherma,

Right now there are two FDA approved weight loss medications, Meridia and Orlistat, and one FDA approved over-the-counter diet aid, Alli (which is actually the same medication as Orlistat but in a lower dose).  Any other diet aids are not the “real deal” as you so nicely put it, and have unsubstantiated claims to burn fat, melt off the weight, reduce your cravings or suppress your appetite.

ATD: Are Herbal Weight Loss Remedies Safe?

Question:

I am just wondering, I am 18 years old ,5ft 5in and weigh 8stn. Iwant to lose more weight so decided to take zotrim slimming tablets….is this harmful? I just want to drop half a stone.   Joanne M.

Answer:

Dear Joanne,

For those of us in the US I calculated your weight to be 112 pounds and hear that you would like to lose 4 more pounds. Actually the lowest ideal weight for someone your age and height is 113 pounds, so you are already as much on the slim side as is healthy.

ATD: Can a Vegetarian Follow the Every-Other-Day Diet?

Question:

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Answer:

Meanwhile, there are certainly a wealth of other diets you can safely enjoy as a vegetarian without compromising your lifestyle. I would first suggest you explore the food guide pyramid recommendations for a balanced and healthy way of eating without meat. Here is a link to their site http://www.mypyramid.gov/tips_resources/vegetarian_diets_print.html

ATD: How Good is the Every Other Day Diet?

Question:

Is the EODD healthy and is it maintainable in the longer term? Does it work as well as it’s advertised (I can’t seem to find much customer feedback)?  Martin L.

Answer:

Dear Martin,

I have seen some diet reviews, but haven’t read the actual program myself.  We do have a review posted here for you to read.  That said, based on what I’ve found, the diet does work.  It basically limits your calorie intake to a level lower than you need for weight maintenance.  Eat less and lose weight!  The program also encourages exercise, and includes a discussion of  how important your frame of mind is when dealing with what you eat and how much.

ATD: Healthy Diet for Wrestlers

Question:

What is a healthy diet a wrestler should be eating?  Sarah

Answer:

Dear Sarah,

A wrestler should be eating a well balanced diet with a variety of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and dairy products–just as any other athlete should…. or any other person for that matter!  With all the extra calorie-burning going on during hours a week spent wrestling, as well as in practice, more complex carbohydrates will be needed for extra energy.

ATD: How Can I Get Over This Plateau?

Question:

I have been on a diet since aug. 12th and to this day I have lost 13 pounds, my trouble is now for about 3 weeks I haven’t lost a pound. I am eating a 1,100 calorie diet, I am 5′2″ and I weigh 150 now. I walk approx for 1 hour a day and do a treadmill for 1/2 hour every other day. What can I do to move these extra pounds off of me? — Angela L.

Answer:

Dear Angela,

Congratulations on your success over the past three months!  Great Job!

ATD: What Do I Look For On Food Labels?

Question:

When looking at food labels, what should one be looking for?  What types of fats/oils are bad for you? RuthAnn F.

Answer:

Dear Ruth Ann,

Each of these questions depends on the individual: are you someone who needs to lose weight? Lower your cholesterol? Raise your HDL’s?  The answer will be different depending on your personal needs.

Generally, trans fats should be avoided by everyone; saturated fat should make up no more than 7% of your daily calories; and fats should contribute less than 30% of your daily calorie intake.  Too much of any type of fat or oil will increase calorie intake and more likely contribute to excess body fat.

ATD: How Can I Lose Stomach Fat?

Question:

I am trying to lose some weight, especially around my abdomen.  My plan is to eat fish, chicken, fruits, vegetables, and drink a lot of water.  I also plan to jog twice a day.  How much weight could I lose in a month?  Fifi

Answer:

Dear Fifi,

It sounds like your plan is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet with lean protein, and wholesome produce choices for vitamins, minerals and fiber (especially if you include whole grains and low-fat dairy products as well).  I’m also guessing this is a big change for you and, if so, you may be a little bit overly-optimistic at this point.  Making many changes in your diet and exercise program at one time is often a difficult regimen to maintain.

ATD: Can A Dietician Help Me Lose Weight?

I just have about 10 pounds to lose: should I seek the help of a registered dietitian for this?  Rekha

Dear Rekha,

Whatever your dietary needs, a registered dietitian can help! You should be able to find one at your local hospital who can make an appointment to see you as an outpatient.  If you can get a prescription from your doctor, it may even be covered by your health insurance.

ATD: How Do I Start a Diet?

Question

I just found out recently in a doctor visit that I am borderline diabetic and could stand to lose a few pounds.  I weigh 169 lbs. now but it’s the first time I’ve been much more than 140 lbs.   I want to get back to my desired weight. Where do I begin? please help…..  Octavia

Answer

Dear Octavia,

Congratulations for taking the first big step to controlling and preventing diabetes: weight loss!  It’s great that you only have about 30 pounds to lose and you’re starting before it gets away from you.

ATD: Does Dieting While Breastfeeding Affect My Baby’s Milk?

Question:

I am a nursing mom. My son is now 6 months old and I am introducing him to
solids. Prior to my pregnancy I lost 70lbs, but gained it all back during my
pregnancy. I have a big appetite and even when I am eating well and low cal
it seems like my body is holding on to the fat? For example, when I am
eating less calories and lower fat meals, I have less “hind” milk and more
“Fore” milk I know this because I pump. I do not want to deprive my child,
But I can’t stand all this extra weight I need to lose 120lbs to be at my
ideal weight for height. Any suggestions would be appreciated.   — Michelle

ATD: Have These Cookies Expired?

Question:

My husband bought what he needed to go on the cookie diet months ago and has not done the diet.  I now have a huge box of cookies sitting at home (in the A/C) and I need to lose 15 pounds, so I’m thinking about using them. They taste fine, but say “Best by June 28 and June 29th”. Are they expired? –Thanks, Ann

Answer:

Dear Ann,

ATD: How do you translate “fat exchanges” to “grams of fat”?

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Question:

I am part of a Christian Bible study: First Place 4 Health, previously known as First Place. In 2008, they chose to revamp their materials and switch form ADA Exchanges to the 2008 My Pyramid (mypyramid.gov) guidelines.

WOW….I can’t figure why folks thought exchanges were complex!! I loved the exchanges, but I felt the need (as a leader) to go forward and try the new plan. This is my 13th week on the new plan and I’ve lost 10.4 pounds. However, I’m having a problem…..

ATD: Is The Acai Berry Flush Good To Jump Start Your Diet?

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Question:

I have heard that the acai berry flush is a good way to jump start your system; is it safe? — Yolanda

Answer:

Dear Yolanda,

The acai berry achieved its great reputation a few years ago as one of several ’superfruits”, loaded with antioxidants.  These compounds are known to be good for keeping cells healthy and having protective effects against chronic diseases and some types of cancers.

ATD: Can I drink tea on the cookie diet?

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Question:

I have just started the cookie diet, but nowhere can I find I am allowed to have green tea or any tea at all. Also having a difficult time eating all the food allowed at dinner so please help to figure out how to do this I have a small lunch either chicken or tuna . There is no office in my area so I can speak to someone in person thank you for your time.  — Rose

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ATD: What are the Recommended Eating Times for the SUB-WAY diet?

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Question:

What are the recommended eating times for the subway diet? —Braulio

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Answer:

For the subway diet, Jared had a low-fat (less than 6 grams per sub) subway sandwich for lunch and another for dinner.  Remember not to include cheese or mayonnaise or oil because this adds calories and fat!  Since this diet started, recommendations for breakfast vary greatly, from nothing, to a “healthy small breakfast”.  Either way, dieters are likely to reduce their daily calorie intake significantly and lose weight as a result.

Editors Note: For more informaiton read our full review on the Subway Diet Plan.

ATD: Could My Diet Be Making Me Sick?

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Question:

I am a 30-year-old woman who has been a vegetarian for ten years. Lately my skin is really dry and I feel tired all the time. I’m retaining water more than I used to as well. I used to weigh 110, but my weight has slowly crept up to 135. What can I do diet-wise to have more energy and lose weight? Thank you!

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Answer:

Dear Ann,