Tips for healthy eating
Dear Donovan,
I am a picky eater, but I binge on banana chips and orange juice each day. I will at times maintain a weight of 165 pounds, but now I am at 190 pounds and I’m trying to lose some weight. It’s a very difficult task, but I am really trying to eat healthier. Please help.
I notice that you have put on 25 pounds and this is definitely not good. You need to make every effort to lose this extra weight. Becoming obese/overweight can definitely affect your health and your looks. Being overweight is associated with many chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
I must point out that the best way to lose weight and keep it off is to adopt a lifestyle change which involves eating healthy and doing exercise. At the moment you are definitely not eating well. If you intend to lose weight, you will have to reduce your calories. Snacking on banana chips is a no-no, because they contain a good number of calories, not to mention the salt content.
In addition, you did say you were a picky eater. In some cases this will cause you to get hungry often. Occasionally, this can cause you to overeat at some meals. In addition, feasting on orange juice or other fruit juices is definitely not helping with your weight loss programme as it is easier to drink than to eat. Therefore, if you are not careful, drinking fruit juices can cause you to put on weight.
For example, it might be easier to drink four to five oranges in a glass of orange juice compared to eating two to three oranges. As a general rule, eat your fruits and drink your vegetable juices.
As part of your weight loss programme, it is better to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, vegetable juices, soups, yoghurt and a small amount of shakes. Your snacking on banana chips and orange juice will have to be reduced or eliminated. In addition, you should try to include some exercises in your programme. Exercising will burn more calories and help you to lose weight. Of course, exercise also makes you feel good.
You will have to sit and think about all the reasons why you need to lose weight. These reasons must be very important to you. Losing weight does take some discipline. However, try very hard to avoid buying banana chips and orange juice so that they are not easily accessible. Work hard on your weight loss programme.
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, 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5. Call him at 876-286-1363. E-mail questions to clarkep@jamaicaobserver.com.
