This week’s question is as follows:
Question: Okay i have been dieting the past month keeping track of my calorie intake as well as drinking water and cutting out the bad foods/drinks.. exercise is an issue for me due to the fact that im recovering from a lower back injury suffered from football.. i am beginning to think i have a thyroid prob since the weight isnt seeming to go down no matter what i do.. i ran some this morning and got on the scale this evening and im up 5 pounds form YESTERDAY.. should i go see my doctor and have some blood work done i have put on 40 lbs since my injury and i cannot figure a way out of this hole… i understand i need to exercise more but with a torn rotator cuff and a l-5 fracture in my back its hard to work out without severe pain
Answer: Yes, see your doctor. He/she can recommend exercises that will not cause pain. While it may be a thyroid problem or something else, you need to realize it takes your body a while to make adjustments, except where exercise is involved. Building your muscle mass by exercising will cause weight gain because muscle weighs more than fat. Exercise should only be used in weight loss to tighten your skin so you don’t end with a lot of lose skin. But the most important element in weight loss is your mind. If you don’t love yourself and have purpose, no matter what you do it won’t work well for the long term. There are many self-help books available on this. Balance your mind and your body will follow.
I just love answering these weight loss questions. Here’s another:
Question: I have an exercise bike, but would running be more effective for weight loss?
I want to build as minimal muscle as possible.
Or is there a better way then both of these?
Also, with running, I’m concerned of getting attacked by a dog.
Answer: Both are good for weight loss, but the most important thing is to get your heart rate to 80 percent of it’s max for about 30 minutes at a time. If you don’t want to gain that much muscle, it would probably be better to run because cycling will really build your leg muscles. If you run, you’re also moving your arms so you will also give them a little tone. I hole heartedly understand your fear of getting attacked by a dog. My sophomore year of college, I lived in a really rundown neighborhood and had a neighbor who kept her german shepherd outside all the time which was fine until she gave birth. After that, the dog became quite territorial and even though she was familiar with me would sometimes chase me. After it happened twice, I decided to go running at parks where dogs were required to be kept on their leash at all times since I couldn’t afford a gym membership. If you can make it to a swimming pool 3-5 days a week, you might want to consider that too. Swimmers, in my opinion, have some of the best bodies out there. No matter what workout you choose, make sure to stretch a couple of times a day. This will help lengthen your muscles over time, so you still get the strength and tone from the muscle you gain from working out to give you more of a sleek build. Good luck on your weight loss and don’t forget to eat smart.
What’s this week’s question? Let’s dive straight in…
Question: We’re so happy and we’ve FINALLY made our decision to TTC but we’re not going to start until fall because of work schedules. I’m so excited, but I’m addicted to anything and everything related. Any ideas to help pass the time and/or get ready for this?
1) I would like to lose weight. I’m currently 215, and we’re planning on TTC in about 3 months. What can I lose in a healthy way by then? Anyone know any safe dieting without cutting out important vitamins essential to baby’s health?
2) I’m very self conscious about being prego and overweight. I’m deathly scared that I’m going to be one of the ladies that carries really low and looks like they have a huge beer belly rather than a baby. Any idea on how to predict or tell with your body size/shape how you’ll carry? I don’t want people to be guessing if I’m prego, I want them to know because of a cute baby bump!
Thanks for your help ladies, it’s much appreciated!
Hey, another question.. does anyone have any pics of yourself prego if you’re overweight?? I’ve gotta believe that there are still cute bellies on bigger mamas! 
Thanks everyone!
Answer: Lots of fresh fruit and veges and fish or chicken for dinner. Cut out sugary foods and processed foods the have alot of added salt. Good luck to you and falling preg. You won’t care how you carry once your preg. It’s just great knowing you have a bub growing inside of you. Hope it all works out for you. Start taking prenatal vitamins now as if helps your body prepare.
What’s this week’s question? Let’s dive straight in…
Question: Hi, I’m only 13, female. & I weigh about 140lbs. I’m so embarrassed by that. I’ve been going to the gym recently, but I’m afraid that I’m putting ON weight instead of losing it. I rarely ever break a sweat, so I’m thinking that may have something to do with it. Also, I’m well aware you need a well balanced diet to stay healthy & toned. Just I’m wondering if there’s something I need to be doing at the gym, if there’s a certain way to lose weight & tone, instead of gain weight & build unnecessary muscle.
Thank you in advance. :]
Answer: Hey kudos on putting in the work to get in shape. When you’re at the gym aim more for the cardio type workouts, treadmill, stationary bikes, or even an aerobics class. If you’re lifting weights that may be the cause of the recent weight gain. Since muscle weighs more than fat the muscle you’re putting on may be increasing your weight for the moment. Also realize that someone as young as you should probably not be doing too much lifting since your muscles aren’t fully developed.Good tone comes from doing low weight and high reps. Just keep working hard and it’ll all pay off!
