About Jerry Ryan, Ph.D. Expertise I have a Doctorate in Natural Health and I am well-versed in a wide range of topics within that field. I teach individuals and group classes on nutrition, diet, nutritional supplements, juicing, fasting, exercise, aromatherapy, herbs, massage, meditation, relaxation techniques, stress management, anti-aging, etc. However, I am not a physician and cannot diagnose conditions or prescribe treatments/medication. But, I can make recommendations and refer you to appropriate information sources for the proper courses of action.
Experience Prior to my education as a Doctor of Natural Health, I worked for over 20 years as a member of the trauma/transplant surgical teams at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital, and other facilities from coast-to-coast. I also have extensive training in exercise and nutrition, having trained for over 20 years as a bodybuilder and martial artist. I have been taught by Taekwondo coaches from the Olympics and Black Belt Hall of Fame members and I have trained with athletes from the World Wrestling Federation.
Organizations I belong to the American Nutriceutical Association and Health Innovators International. I also belong to the local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.
Publications Black Belt magazine; Inside Kung Fu magazine; Paraplegia News / PN Magazine; The Accord, the Journal of Spinal Cord Injuries Australia
Education/Credentials I have a Bachelor's degree, a Master's degree, and a Ph.D. degree in Natural Health. I have served as a member of the Alternative Medicine Advisory Board for the Veterans Administration Network 20; I have been a member on the Institutional Review Board for Portland VA Medical Center; I have also served as a member of the PVA Education Foundation Board based in Washington, DC.; I am currently a Trainer for Healthy Lifestyles for the Disabled through the Oregon Office on Disability & Health.
Awards and Honors Who’s Who in the West, 1992; Who’s Who for Business Professionals, 2004
Past/Present Clients Guest speaker at Nike World Headquarters, 2004
Question Hi there,
I am a freshmen in college and when I was in high school I was diagnosed with anorexia and hospitalized several times. Even though I am doing a lot better I still struggle with food and healthy choices, how much, how often, etc. I also go to the gym everyday. I have been weight lifting (well toning) and doing cardio (cycling classes, running- usu. between 4-6 miles). Although I have been doing this for a while my body hasn't changed I'm convinced it's my diet. But I don't know what to do. I eat in the morning before class then again at like 1pm, it seems like i eat a lot more in the afternoon and night time, then in the morning. I feel so hopeless... I don't know how to tone my body and replace fat with muscle. Also I like to think that my eating disorder caused my body to malfunction this way- being unable to not store fat. Does my eating disorder cause lasting problems like this? I guess I just need some advice- what should I do.
fyi, I'm 5'4" 121 lbs. and 23% body fat.
thanks, rachel
Answer It sounds like you're doing very good overall. Your BMI (Body Mass Index) is right in the middle of the normal range. Your BMI tells the ratio of your bodyfat to your weight and height. You're really doing great!
In order to gain some muscle mass, you'll need to eat more protein in the form of lean meats, beans, and nuts. The exercise is breaking down your muscle tissue for an energy source because it's not getting nutrients on a regular basis. It would be better to eat smaller portions more frequently than to eat three meals. Eating 4-6 times a day keeps your metabolism at a steady pace while adding the protein builds the muscles that are damaged during training.
Thank you for your question, Rachel. I hope that my answer helps you. The information is part of an 8-week online class that I teach called 'The Answer Is Right Under Your Nose.' You can check it out on my website at www.JerryRyanPhD.com.
