How to maintain a healthy diet

Question
Hello George Rapitis,
This may seem really straight forward, but I would like to loose a couple pounds off my belly and exchange it with abs. Problem is, its really hard to get muscle, when you're a vegetarian.:(  Do have any advice? I'm 5'7' and 145 lbs, and a long distance runner in track. But I need to loose the weight to become faster, not just for the looks. I have a meet coming up at the end of next month, and my coaches want to see some improvement in my sprints. Any advice would be greatly appreciated on what to eat, when, how much i should run, or how much I should lift (weights). Thanks for taking the time to read this. Goodbye :)

warm regards;
Andrea

p.s. i would like to become a personal trainer/dietician or nutricianist in the future, that's what I'm willing to study for in college, but I have no idea what classes are required and the different people I will be able to work with. It would be really nice to tell me the different steps you took to become a nutricianist and where you travel to help your patients. :)

Answer
Seasons Greetings Andrea!

    Thank you for your nutrition question. There is a great product on my website called Juice Plus(http://www.juiceblend.com) which I recommend to my athlete patients. It contains the nutrients from 17 fruits and vegetables and would be perfect for you.  Why not ask your parents to get it for you as a Christmas gift?
  The best ways to lose weight and have more energy is increasing your intake of "whole" grains(ie. oatmeal, bran cereal, brown rice, and granola), fruits and vegetables.  These types of foods are low in fat and high in complex carbohydrates.  These types of foods release energy into your system slowly so that you have energy that lasts you for your entire race.  You should avoid deep fried foods, sodas, and other high sugar foods that only provide you with temporary energy.
   As far as exercise, check with your school trainer about what exercises he/she want you to do and how much.  Usually exercising every other day is best in order to give your muscles a chance to repair.
   In order to become a nutritionist you must go to college for 4 years, do an internship at a hospital, and pass the board exam for dietitians.  After becoming a nutritionist you have the opportunity to work at a hospital, school, fitness center, private practice, magazine,..etc.  The opportunities are endless.  You can even write a nutrition book someday.
Hope this helps.

Merry Christmas

George Rapitis, Nutritionist
http://www.juiceblend.com  

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