Question:
I am having a hard time losing weight. It seems that my birth control method, the pill, has packed on so much in the last two years. What can I do to lose weight? I am trying so hard with exercise and high protein, low carb diet. Any suggestions? I rarely snack or overeat. Why is my body resistant to weight loss?
(Claudine)
Answer:
Claudine, sometimes with different medications, the hormones are thrown into an unbalanced state which stimulates fat production. You say that you exercise and that’s great, but you must progressively, of course, aim to intensify your weight training to increase muscle tissue and bone density. Muscles burn more calories even at rest. Also, do not cut your carbs too drastically because then protein will become your only fuel source-- and muscles in order to repair and grow need the protein. Therefore you should “graze” throughout the day. What I mean by that is eat 4 or 5 smaller meals a day to increase metabolism and then your body will have more fuel and will interestingly enough burn it more efficiently for all your bodily processes. Stay away from refined carbs, white bread, sugars, desserts, white pasta, white potatoes and exchange them for brown foods: brown rice, whole wheat products, sweet potatoes and more vegetables. Drink about eight cups of water a day which has been shown to flush out toxins and speed up metabolism. Keep yourself disciplined and focused. I’m sure that your body will start making those changes you have been working toward to become lean and mean.
Good luck and let me know how you are progressing.
