Hormones and weight loss
Q: Dear Donovan,
I’ve recently started a green diet and I’m seeing results. Though they’re not as great as I’d like, I moved from 210 pounds to 190 in a month. I’m 5 feet 9 inches tall. I was told by my doctor that I have hormonal issues which is a reason why the weight is so difficult to budge. While treating the hormonal condition, how can I diet to see results when I’m taking medication? Also, sometimes I have acid reflux. What foods can I eat to prevent that? I don’t want to go on antacids.
A: The green diet is an eco-friendly and heart-healthy diet. This diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and natural oils, while eliminating meat, dairy, eggs, seafood and sugar. The green diet can improve health as well as enhance weight loss due mainly to the reduction in calories.
You have lost 20 pounds in one month, which I must tell you was very good for you to do on your own. I usually tell my female clients not to expect more than 25 pounds in the first month. As a matter of fact, most professionals in the weight loss field will tell you to expect to lose about two pounds per week. And even at two pounds per week, you would have to reduce your calorie intake by 7,000 over the period. So you’d see that you have done extremely well.
However, at this stage it is likely that you might have hit a weight loss plateau. This means that the input calories are roughly equal to the output calories. At this stage there is no significant loss or gain in weight.
In order to get further weight loss, you will have to do something different with your weight loss programme. However, I wish you had given me more information specifically about the kind of foods you are having for your green diet and whether you are exercising.
Let us say that you are not currently exercising and you add 30 minutes of cardio for three to four days. This could make a difference and give you further weight loss. In addition, you could also further reduce your calories from your foods. However, since you are on medication, you will still have to make sure that you are eating enough food to take your medication.
As you get further weight loss, you will have to find ways of reducing your calorie intake. This can be done by increasing and reducing your food intake or a mixture of both. I am going to suggest that you have juices in the morning, then have something solid for lunch like fruits or a salad, then continue with your juices after. This might cut your calories further. This can be done periodically.
You should also start or increase your exercise. Bear in mind that over time your programme will need further adjustment in calories in order for the weight loss process to continue.
You also mentioned that occasionally you have acid reflux. I would suggest that you keep a log of what you eat and see the days you get the acid reflux. Then by trial and error you eliminate some foods you suspect might be causing the problem. In addition, drinking eight to 12 ounces of green juice daily should help your acid reflux. 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.
