Samuel Said:

How do I get back in shape when...?

We Answered:

Dee, honestly, its far from hopeless. Weight gain after a major crisis is very common and not something you should feel any shame/guilt over; you're suddenly forced into a more sedentary lifestyle and even if you're eating the same amount of calories as before, you're going to be putting on weight simply because you can't be as active as you'd like.

Essentially, when it comes to weight, its calories in vs calories out, so the first thing to find out is how many calories your body needs at the moment. There is a simple equation for this based on finding out your basal metabolic rate and then multiplying it by your physical activity level. Feel free to message me for the full equation because typing out here would be rather excessive. The amount of calories your body can process without storing as fat can and will go up as you increase your activity level gradually over time.

When it comes to WHAT you eat, if you don't have the time to cook its worth having a look at the nutritional content of the ready meals you use to find out how many calories are in them and then eating based upon your daily calorific requirement. It might well be worthwhile making an eating diary documenting what you eat and the calorie content so that you're aware of what to change, and how.

A healthy rate of weight loss is 2lbs a week; any more than that and you run the risk of doing more harm than good.

As for physical activity, you needn't go crazy, particularly as your body needs to grow accustomed to a higher level of activity after the accident. Start it out slow with low impact cardio; if you have access to a gym, a cross-trainer, or an upright bike would be ideal (with no gym access, a regular bike). Also: don't be afraid of resistance machines! Resistance exercise over time burns more calories than aerobic by itself.

Of course, none of this should be done without consulting your doctor and/or a local health and fitness professional first as I cannot accept responsibility if anything goes awry, particularly if there are specifics to your situation that I am unaware of. After a serious accident, postural distortions or injuries can occur, and having an expert nearby to help you avoid compounding any problems and get you where you want to be.

Good luck Dee, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.


RE-EDIT: as a gym and/or pool is not applicable, a regular bike may well be a good idea.


ANOTHER EDIT: Dee, I have enabled answers e-mail messaging now. Feel free to wing me a message :).

Hector Said:

How can a 13 year old loose weight , despite the unhealthy food at school and the peer presure?

We Answered:

Less Sugar, Substitute water for any and everything that includes soda. The only other beverages you should be drinking are 100% juice, milk, and tea. Tell your parent to buy 1 % fat milk instead of whole fat milk. Stay away from any SUGAR or CADNY. You dont need to exercise however you do need to stay active, ride your bike, don't watch to much television, play some basketball, baseball, or try to get in to a swimming pool a few time every month.

Once again you don't need real exercise your 13 your body needs alot of calories, and your body has a high metabolism. Maybe in the next 5-6 years you need a workout plan.

JUST STAY ACTIVE AND Avoid JUNK FOOD EXPESSIALLY FOODS WITH HIGH AMOUNTS OF SUGARRR.

Tammy Said:

Suggestions needed for my macrobiotic Easter plans?

We Answered:

You had me at festive seaweeds.

I hope you have already managed to eliminate the chemical cocktails known as soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and cologne from your lifestyle.

What about a Macrobiotic yoga retreat?

Dale Said:

a game for my lesson plan?

We Answered:

Pass a ball around and get points if you say how to live a better lifestyle. The person with the most reasons at the end of 30 wins!

Carol Said:

How can I convince my friends that I don't have an eating problem?

We Answered:

sounds like you could have 'othorexia'(i think that's what it's called), where you are healthy to the point where you are unhealthy, look it up. it isn't a common eating disorder, so don't let your friends get you down.