150-pounder wants to be slim
Dear Donovan,
I weigh 150 pounds and I am five feet, two inches tall. I went from 170 pounds to 145 pounds about four years ago. I still exercise a lot and gain muscle, but I want to be slim. But the more I exercise, the thicker and heavier I become. My waist is 35 inches; my hip is 39 inches, while my breast is 36 inches. Please tell me where I’m going wrong.
— Juliene
Good day Juliene,
Congratulations on your weight loss from 170 to 145 pounds. However, I see where you have put on five pounds of muscle and you are getting thicker and healthier with exercise.
My suspicion is that you are doing more muscle building exercises and your diet is also more or less constant at this time. In a nutshell, what is happening with you is that you’re developing more muscles. A pound of muscle will weigh the same as a pound of fat but muscles are more compact and denser than fat.
For people wanting to lose weight while at a gym, it is very important to note that weight training builds muscles quickly but does not burn as much calories as cardiovascular exercises. Also, a loss in fat does not always mean weight loss.
If you wish to lose weight further and be slim, you will have to make some changes in your eating habits and exercise programme. In addition, if you want to lose weight you will have to lower you calorie intake.
What you’re trying to do is to force your body to use up some of the reserve fat. In a practical way what you can do is portion control. It is important to choose foods which are healthy. In addition to your diet I would suggest you focus more on cardiovascular exercises.
Some exercises that you can do include running, jumping rope, netball and volleyball. Try my suggestion and you should get some results.
In closing I would like to wish all my readers a very healthy and prosperous 2015. It is my intention to continue to play my part in making Jamaica the wellness capital of the world.
We will answer your weight- related questions
Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, Suite 16, 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5. Send your questions to clarkep@jamaicaobserver.com.
