Expert: Todd Bublitz, RCEP - 1/27/2006

Question
I am 6 feet tall and weigh 175lbs.
Firstly, what I'd like to know is whether my weight is proprotionate to my height.
Secondly, I am trying to stay healthy by eating right. This is why I have given you a detailed description of the food I consume on a daily basis coupled with the exercise portion. Is there anything I need to add or subtract from my present diet? Is there anything I need to do differently?

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Followup To
Question -
Hello Todd,

I am a 26-year old male at 6 feet and weigh about 175lbs. I am trying to figure out if there might be anything about my daily calorie intake that I need to make a change to and would truly appreciate your advice.
Typically, breakfast (6 - 7 am) comprises french toast with egg and cheese and a cup of coffee.
Lunch (11 - 12) comprises of a sandwich (Quizno's Chicken Carbonara is what I usually get).
I then go to the gym (5 days a week) and am on the treadmill for 45 mins and burn 400 calories (400 X 5 = 2000 calories/week)
Diner ( 7 - 8) comprises a bowl of cereal, Yoplait's 99% fat-free yogurt and a banana (Sometimes maybe a glass of red wine too)

Please advise me if I need to make any change (add/remove) to my diet.
Thank you.
Answer -
Jascha,

What are your goals?  What do you want to accomplish?  What are your height and weight?

Todd

Answer
Jascha,

To determine if your weight is ideal, you can start with a "waist-to-hip ratio".  Research shows that people with "apple-shaped" bodies (with more weight around the waist) face more health risks than those with "pear-shaped" bodies who carry more weight around the hips. Here is a link to a waist-to-hip ratio calculator (with explanations of results):
http://www.healthcalculators.org/calculators/waist_hip.asp

Secondly, just look in the mirror, with no clothes on, and ask yourself, "Do I look like I have a healthy physique?"

As for your diet, I suggest you look at the following basic principles of a healthy diet:

* Eat a wide variety of foods each day.
* Eat a diet low in saturated fats (animal fats) and trans-fatty acids (margarine or shortening).
* Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables - up to 9 servings a day. ( http://www.5aday.gov/ )
* Eat a variety of grain products, especially whole grains (complex carbohydrates).
* Limit sugars and low nutrient foods high in sugar such as soda pop, candy, etc.(simple carbohydrates).
* Eat fish at least twice a week.
* Eat an appropriate number of calories to maintain a healthy weight.
* Stay physically active to remain fit. Exercise 30 minutes or more on most days.

There may be certain suggestions a dietician might make depending on your blood pressure, cholesterol, body weight, body composition, blood sugar levels, etc., etc. A health professional would have to do a comprehensive examination to tailor a diet specifically for you.  Obviously, I cannot do that over the internet.

In short, there are "healthier diets" and "less-healthy diets", but no one "perfect, healthy diet".

I hope this helps.

Todd
www.Lipid-Clinic.com