Expert: Leigh-Anne Persing, PA-C - 12/6/2006

Question
Hi, I have been gaining weight for the last few months. I want to lose 15 pounds so I decided to increase my exercise. I go to the gym for 2 hours a day. I'm on the treadmill for 45 minutes, and the crossramp for 45 minutes. Ive been increaseing my calories instead of decreasing them. I know I'llneed to decrease them to lose weight but I find myself super hungry. I ate (binge) at least 5000 calories a day!!! I don't know why but it seems the exercise made me super hungry and water and vegetables don't seem to help though it did in the past.
What can I do to stop my appetite and lose weight. I get on the scale and the weight keeps increasing cos' of my eating.
Also, I find it really really hard to stay away from breads, cakes and cookies. i really don't know what to do. Please help me!!  

Answer
you need to eat more to support your exercise, but if your weight is increasing even with 2 hours of exercise a day then that is a good indication that you are taking in too many calories. The more you try to restrict certain foods teh more your body will crave them, so it's a good idea to give your body a bit of a taste every now and then. Try to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Whole grain and whole wheats instead of white flours and processed and refined foods (for example... whole wheat pasta instead of white pasta, whole wheat or whole grain bead instead of white bread... have a sweet potato instead of a white potato. Instead of ice cream have a fat free yogurt) Try to find healthier alternatives to the foods that you like - like substituting the yogurt for ice cream.