I weigh 185 pounds but I love chocolate!
Dear Donovon,
I am overweight. I am five feet seven inches tall and weigh 185 pounds. This is a result of living in different countries for work and not eating properly and exercising little.
I am now settled and trying very hard to lose the weight, but it has been slow going. In four months I have lost only five pounds, moving from 190 to 185 pounds. I go to Zumba twice per week (one is aqua), one boot camp-type class, I walk for a minimum of five kilometres per day and twice per month I participate in a three-hour hike that is normally at least 10 miles.
I have been doing this for a month now and I’ve seen very little change. Is there something I need to do differently? Do I need to exercise every day? I am trying to get down to 150 pounds but have set myself a target of 170 pounds for this year. I only eat fish and chicken and that’s very often with a salad, and rarely drink sweet juices and certainly no soda. However, I do have a chocolate weakness.
The majority of the weight is in my upper body and if you judge by my lower body you would never think I was overweight.
–Andrea
Dear Andrea,
It is now time to get some serious weight loss going. Five pounds in four months is slow; however, it is something and it can make a difference in your health and looks.
Providing that there are no health-related problems, you should be able to lose weight at a rate of two to three pounds per week.
I am seriously wondering about your chocolate addiction and how bad it is. Chocolates can pack a serious amount of calories. Going forward, some adjustments in your chocolate-eating habits will have to take place. However, an overall holistic approach to further weight loss should also take place.
Your diet and your exercise programme will have to be looked at further. Based on what you’re telling me about your eating and exercise regimen, you are making some effort, but more is still needed. You will have to make some lifestyle changes and continue to make changes in order for your weight loss to start and continue.
At this point my suspicion is that you have hit a weight loss plateau. In order to jump-start your weight loss programme you will have to reduce your calorie intake and/or increase your calorie burning. In a nutshell, something must be different about your eating habits to set off further weight loss.
I would suggest you do more cardiovascular exercises. You also mentioned that your upper body is more pronounced than your lower body. In some cases this might be a family trait. However, you should note that as you lose weight it is very important to create a balance between the upper body and the lower body.
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.
