Ask Pam: Speed Up Weight Loss

pam, what is some of the fast burning foods, for someone who is morbity obese?
and what is some foods that will carve sugar cravings? thanks. Tina

Hi Tina,

Unfortunately there really isn’t a food that will speed up your metabolism or make you lose weight more quickly. But you can optimize your weight loss by eating whole foods like fresh (or frozen) fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and low-fat dairy. Having smaller, more frequent meals (eating something small every 2-3 hours) can help keep your metabolism active. You will still want to make sure you’re eating the right size portions to meet your calorie needs to promote weight loss. Eating too much food will result in weight maintenance or gain, but eating too little food can make it more difficult to lose weight.

In terms of curbing sugar cravings, eating a balanced meal plan will help by keeping your blood sugars more steady. Try to eat a combination of carbohydrates (make them complex carbohydrates from whole grains, vegetables and fruits), lean protein and fat. By eating a balanced meal plan and implementing the small, frequent meals mentioned above, that will help you out.

You may also need to figure out some techniques, especially to get through the first few days of healthy eating when your sugar cravings will be strongest. Throw away any foods that you know cause yourself to have sugar cravings – if it’s not in the house, you won’t eat it. Find other activities that you enjoy to do that will keep you busy – do a craft/hobby like scrapbooking, knitting, work on a crossword puzzle, paint your nails, call a friend, etc. Close the kitchen – after dinner and doing the dishes, turn off the lights and avoid the kitchen. Keep a journal – not only should you write down what and how much you eat (every bite!), but also include your emotions and how you are feeling. A journal is a great tool to help you see what is working and not working for you. Get moving – being active will not only keep you busy, but also help maximize your weight loss efforts. Start slow by taking a walk or going swimming.

Tina, if you are consistent with healthy eating and exercise, you will see results. Stay strong to get through the sugar cravings – they will pass and your body will start to crave whole, healthy foods rather than sugar and processed foods. You can do it Tina!

Good Luck!
eDiets Nutrition

I have a very hard time falling asleep at night, it doesn't matter what time I go to bed I don't fall asleep before 2-3am and I am up by 6-7am because I work from home and the phone sometimes starts ringing between 5.30am and onwards what can I do to fall asleep

Thanks

Ruth

Try to leave the computer at an earlier time (if you are working on the computer). I have found that the later I am at the computer, the harder it is for me to fall asleep and I do not get a good night sleep either.

Hi Catherine! Thanks for writing in. If eating prior to exercising does not work for you – due to schedule and your system (body) then stick to your routine. It is fantastic that you are getting up so early and fitting it into your day – if you can tolerate something to eat, great grab something easy and you can have before your workout (bar – higher carbs/low fat, yogurt with banana, etc.) if not, exercising is beneficial either way you look at it. Try to be sure you are eating after your workout though which I am sure you are – a meal/snack that is high in complex carbohydrates and has protein to replenish your stores. Keep up the dedication!

Loved it!

HI.
I,m 71 years old and would love to lose20 lbs fast,
Can you help , Help please,thank you.

I have lost 67 pounds very slowly implementing healthy lifestyle change. I started walking 2 miles a day 4x's a week back in March. I am on my 6th week of new work-out routine at health club, working out 5x's a week/30 minutes cardio and 30 minutes of free weights and machines. Have been at a plateau and have not lost anything in 3 months. I have been eating 1,500 calories a day. I am moving my bowels twice a month and I have to use a laxative. I recently did the Jillian Michaels 7-day cleanse and I sometimes moved my bowels once a day. I am drinking water, but not 8 glasses a day. Do you think that I need to increase my caloric intake?

Good for you with the weight loss and working towards a healthy lifestyle. Kudos! Couple of things here – you noted moving your bowels twice a month? If this continues I would discuss with your physician; and in terms of diet would increase fiber rich foods (cereals, whole grains, fruits/vegetables, etc) daily in addition to increasing your fluid (water) intake. Fluid is important in terms of bowel movements. As for the calories, it might be that you hit a plateau and need a bit more calories to jump start your metabolism (keeping up with the exercise you noted). Do it slowly – 100 calories increase a day to start and see if you can kick start the weight loss again; and make some of those calories rich in fiber. Keep me posted.

Congratulations on making the decision to lose weight, this is often the hardest step. Calorie level is most important for weight loss. Feel free to take a free diet profile, located on the homepage and take the survey and see what calorie level you should adhere too to lose weight. We provide diet plans based on the calorie recommendation and will help with diet compliance.