Diet and Exercise Problem

Question
Dear George,

Hello.  I am 52 years old.  I weigh 185 lbs and am 5 feet 7 inches tall.  I have had a problem with being overweight most of my life.  

I do not overeat nor do I eat lots of junk foods.  I usually eat only about 800 to 1000 calories a day.  I also exercise about 5 times a week for about an hour each time.  

However, even with a stenuous exercise program and limiting my food intake I do not seem to be able to lose much weight.  I recently bought the Hollywood Diet (a liquid diet for 2 days) in an act of desparation and lost 2 or 3 lbs on it.  

I usually eat only a cup of oatmeal for breakfast, a can of tuna for lunch, and a salad for dinner.  Honestly I don't know what else to do.  As for exercise, I jog for 30 minutes and lift light weights with high repetitions for 30 minutes, about 5 days a week.

I do not have any major medical problems.

It is just a mystery to me.  Do you have any insights/recommendations.  Thank you for your help.

Best,
Michael

Answer
Hello Michael!


   Thank you for your nutrition question.  When it comes to losing weight do not be discouraged because it is a very gradual process.  In fact, you should only lose about 1-2lbs per week because the slow weight loss usually stays off.  Quick weigh loss is rarelly permanent.
    One recommendation that I would make is to stay above 1,200 calories daily. If you go below it tends to slow down your metabolism(rate which you burn calories).  It's  better to eat 3-4 small meals throughout your day along with 2 snacks in between to help keep your metabolism boosted.  Never skip meals.  Good snacks would be a handful of almonds or low fat yogurt.
    Another recommendation would be to that you may need a good supplement to help you burn calories more efficiently.  There is a product on my website called Juice Plus Thins.  Many of my patients have had great success using them to aid with weight loss.  They are made from fresh fruits and vegetables which will help you also with cravings.  The website to purchase it is http://www.juiceblend.com  Why not give it a try for 4 months and see the results?   

Let me know if you have more questions.

-George Rapitis, BSc. Nutritionist

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