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Nutrition & Dieting/Fat gain despite exercise

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Expert: Jerry Ryan, Ph.D. - 4/22/2007


Question
I decided about 2 months ago to begin working out again. The strange thing is my stomach seems to be adding fat, not losing it. I have been using an elliptical 4 nights/week for 30 minutes which is more than my previous nothing. I haven’t gone on a diet but I have added vegetables to each dinner and cut out fast food. I feel better energy wise but the odd thing is my stomach seems to be staying the same if not adding fat to it. My thought on it is possibly before my body found the right balance of calories stored for my activity level but now since I am burning more calories it is storing as much as possible??

Answer
It's hard to really say what's going on because I have no idea of when you eat, how often you eat, how much you eat, and what you eat.  All those factors contribute to whether you burn fat or store it.  Just adding cardio exercise doesn't necessarily trim your stomach.  Diet is a big part, if not the biggest part, of losing a belly.

Thanks for your question, Matt.  I hope that my answer gives you some ideas on things to consider in planning your diet.

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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

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