~ QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ~

Here is where we answer your questions about your weight and reaching your weight goal. Our site provides general health information only and cannot give medical advice.
To send a question Click Here Please read Disclaimer
 Dieting help!

=> I was wondering how do I get started on a diet because I have been on so many diets that didn't work and I just want guidance or someone to help me loose weight

=> How much weight do you think I would lose by using the slim fast diet. Half a can for breakfast, a healthy lunch, the other half for a snack then a good dinner?

 Think about why those diets didn't work. Many times it’s because they are too hard to follow. Many restrict foods that you need. You may lose weight fast but it always seems to come back quickly because those diets are not realistic. The two most import things about a healthy diet are to include foods that are "healthy" and to watch your portion sizes. Many times our plates are piled high and we clean them! Be aware of how much food is on your plate and try not to go back for seconds. Wait at least 20 minutes after a meal before you try to go back for a second plate. If you do go back for a second plate, this second helping should not be all of the food served at the meal and should not be anywhere near the same amount of what you ate at the meal.
Snacks can be a healthy way to keep your feeling of hunger in check. Choose healthy snacks like fruits or yogurt. Think about asking your parents to buy 100 calorie snack packs. They are already portioned out for you!
Dieting is a big part of being a healthy weight but remember exercise is also important! Good luck


 Out of control eating!

=> I am overweight. It's just I see somthing then I eat till its gone!

 It's almost like you zone out when eating, or get so caught up in how you feel at the time you’re eating (which is usually a good feeling at the time) but afterwards, you might not feel so good about yourself for overeating. What’s important is that you realize what you’re doing. Most people don't make the connection. The thing is, is that you’re dealing with your feelings by picking something that makes you feel better---which in this case is food. It’s more like a short moment in time that you feel good but those things that are bothering you are still going to be there after the food is gone. Think about what is causing you to turn to food. It might help to write down how you’re feeling at the time you’re eating - and be honest with yourself! Then try and come up with a plan on how to deal with what is causing you to feel the way you do. Ask for help from your family and friends. Good luck.


 How to lose weight?

=> Hi lucy, I am overweight do you know a way to make me not this fat eg: exercise healthy eating?

=> I am 14 and overweight. Can you please give me some tips about eating healthy and a good fitness plan please?

 It sounds like you know what you need to do---exercise and eat healthy! What a lot of kids need help with is how to do this. With exercise, which is any activity that gets you moving, it can help you lose weight. It doesn't have to be running or weight lifting. First, talk to your doctor and see which exercises are right for you. Then, think about something you like to do--swimming, walking, listening to your favorite music dancing, etc. You can burn calories doing any activity as long as you are able to keep doing it for at least an hour every day. This also includes gym class at school! If you don't have a whole hour, just split the hour into small segments, for example 15 minutes 4 times a day.
Eating healthy is also a big deal when it comes to being a healthy weight. Limit the amount of junk food you eat to only once in a while. Don't skip meals and choose fruits and veggies, or yogurt as a healthy snack. Or, try a 100 calorie snack pack. Make sure to cut out sugary drinks like soda and juices. Even sports drinks can add on more calories than you need.


 Uncool to Bring Lunch to School

=> As a middle school overweight girl around a lot of skiny people I'm pressured to eat unhealthy. It's not cool to bring lunch from home so you have to eat the unhealthy stuff they give you! What should I do!!!

 Unfortunately, most schools don't offer the healthiest food choices. Think about alternating food from home with school lunches. You can make foods similar to what they serve at your school cafeteria. For example, if they serve chicken wraps at school, think about making your own at home and bringing them in. Talk to your parents about buying some ready to go lunches which will be easy to bring along in your bag. It may seem "uncool" to bring your lunch to school, but you’ve already answered your own question! The healthier choice is what you can make for yourself and bring to school. Good luck


 Fasting

=> Hi, I'm 14 and I'm a little overweight. I'm considering water fasting for a week, just to see how it works, and I was wondering what your idea's on this were.

 Fasting is sometimes done with certain religions. Even so, kids are usually not expected to participate. With that said, fasting can be dangerous. Fasting usually means you do not eat anything and will only drink water, juice, or teas. Fasting is never recommended for weight loss as you’re not giving your body the energy it needs to function. Did you know that you need to eat carbohydrates like fruits, breads and cereals everyday for your brain to work? Lack of food intake will make your body feel tired and just wiped out. This will affect how you feel at school and at home. Once people start eating again, the weight they may have lost will always come back! Plus people usually cannot go very long without eating because they feel very hungry and end up over-eating. Fasting for weight loss does not teach you how to eat properly.

Instead of fasting for weight loss, try just cutting back on the amount of food you eat at meals. Choose healthy snacks and remember to exercise! Good luck.


 Why Does It Take So Long to Lose Weight?

=> Why does it take so long to lose weight? I try and try to lose it, I eat healthy, jog EVERY day, jumprope, and hulahoop, but I still only lose 1-4 pounds a week. Why?!

 It seems like you put so much hard work into losing weight and when you get on the scale you’re surprised that you’ve only lost a pound or two. You’re on the right track with eating healthy and exercising. Don't let the number discourage you! It’s more important that you are living a healthy lifestyle. It’s recommended that people who want to lose weight do it in a healthy and safe way, which is one to two pounds a week. Remember, you need calories because you’re still growing, and it’s not good for your body to have a "rapid" or quick weight loss. Sometimes you may lose a little more than one or two pounds a week, and depending on your exercise routine, you may be developing muscle which is heavier than fat tissue. Be sure to keep in contact with your doctor and let them know about your progress! Good luck!


 I Can't Get Started

=> I can not lose weight! Everytime I say to myself, "my diet starts now", I just can not do it! What should I do?

 Sometimes getting started is the hardest part! It's great that you’re ready to start being healthier! So many people go through this very same thing. Many times it’s because those who want to lose weight, try to change everything at once. Changing your lifestyle, which includes eating healthy foods and exercising, is a BIG change. So, try and change only one or two things at once. Grab a piece of paper and a pen and start making your plan. Make two columns: one column should have what things you think you need to change and the other column should have a plan on what you will do--think of it as your "action plan." Pick one or two things a week and practice it. Did you know it can take 90 days before something becomes a habit?! By picking one or two things and practicing them, you’ll be able to see if what you’re doing is working and will prove to yourself that you can do it! Give it a try and good luck.


 Exercise and Asthma

=> Do you know of any activities that help you loose weight but don't get you out of breath easy? I have terrible asthma and want to loose weight, but get out of breath so easily...

 This is a great question. Many kids and adults with asthma can feel like it’s hard to breathe when they exercise. You might want to try sports/activities like walking or baseball. Take rests when you need to and have your medication handy. Have you parents talk to your doctor about which sport or activity may be right for you, and what you need to do before and after you start exercising. By continuing to be active, even though you have asthma, you’re setting a great example for other kids! Good Luck.
For more information click here.


 Weight Loss Centers

=> Can you give me tips about losing weight & weight loss centers in my area?

 Some local YMCAs offer weight management classes in addition to Weight Watchers. Visit their website or call to ask about classes. Another great place to find out is to ask your doctor or nurse. Most doctors’ offices have a list of local classes.


You can find tips about being a healthy weight by clicking here.


 How to Keep the Weight Off

=> I'm close to my goal weight. But I'm scared of what's going to happen when I do. I don't want to loose more weight once I'm there but I don't want to put on weight. Basically I'm asking how do you keep it off? How do you find the balance?

 This is such a great question. Some people are able to get to their goal weight but then start to regain the weight they lost. Most of the time, this happens because people fall back into old habits. Think about what you’ve done to become your healthy weight. Think of the diet changes and the time spent exercising and write those down. This will be your plan for keeping the weight off. Be sure to get enough to eat to keep up your energy. If you happen to return to your old habits, the most important thing is to start fresh the next day. Good luck!

  Click Here To See Page 46 Of The Q&A Area  

Click here to go
back to the home page