I need a diet jump-start

Q: Dear Donovan,

I am 5 feet 4 inches tall and I weigh roughly 250 pounds. I aspire to shed some pounds but my work in a call centre makes it difficult. Each time I attempt to diet and exercise, I end up stopping. I also get tired easily, I’m anaemic, and I always want to sleep. I just need a jump-start.

A: At your weight and height, and also being anaemic, you definitely need to speed up the weight loss process. Your body mass is in excess for your height and that is one of the reasons why you are getting tired easily. My suggestion is to get your diet in control to secure your health. Being overweight can lead to further health challenges.

This situation can be remedied if you decide to work hard at your weight loss programme. You will also need to stop this “yo-yo” dieting, which is not good for your health. The fact that you have a sedentary job is not helpful. You will have to get your mind mentally ready and be prepared to stick to the weight loss programme no matter how difficult it gets. Also, you will have to reduce your calories and watch what you eat. In addition, you should allow your body to use up some of the reserved fat that you have stored.

Maybe you could do a formal weight loss programme with a qualified nutritionist. Having someone to report to and also who will monitor your programme could make the programme easier. If there is no one to report to and give you guidance on a regular basis, as soon as the weight loss programme gets hard you may quit. This has happened in many instances.

In general, try to incorporate more fruits and vegetable juices, for example, green juices, which can improve anaemia. Also, try to be more active. You can try to do some structured exercises or be more active at home, work, and other places where you may be stationary. This can be done by utilising the staircase instead of the elevator and walking when possible instead of driving. In a nutshell, you will have to figure out and accept why you need to lose weight and be prepared to go to the extreme with your programme until you are at a healthy weight range for your height.

Good luck!

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.