About Melissa Anderson Expertise I have a Bachelor`s degree in biochemistry, researched metabolism and endocrinology for four years, and am currently attending medical school. Ask me anything and everything relating to Atkins and other low-carb diet plans!
Experience I've been on Atkins since 2001 and I'm still going strong!
Education/Credentials Professionally, I have a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, researched metabolism and endocrinology for four years, and am currently attending medical school.
Special Diets - A. Nutritionist, B. Gym, C. Diet, D. All of the above?
Expert: Melissa Anderson - 8/19/2008
Question I'm 42, male, 6'0" and weigh about 240. I probably should weigh around 180 - 190. I am trying to lose weight. I have high cholesterol. I have made several small improvements like drinking only skim milk, choosing chicken over the burgers, eating less fried, not drinking as much beer, drinking tea with Sweet & Low, not using as much salt, etc. I only exercise 2-3x/wk., part of that exercise is playing double's tennis 2x/wk.
The problem is that I'm not losing any weight. Do you think seeing a nutritionist would help? Or do you think I would benefit more from hitting the gym or dieting?
I have two other quick questions:
Can you tell me what the top 10 best foods are to lose weight and help lower cholesterol? Can you tell me if the head of the broccoli or the stalk is more healthy?
thank you,
Landon
Answer Landon:
The best way to lose weight depends on what your goal is. If your goal is to be healthy, not have a heart attack, lower your cholesterol, and live longer, then gym first, nutritionist second, diet third. If your goal is to look good, then diet first, gym second, nutritionist third.
Best foods to lose weight: these are all going to be green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, kale. Eat the head AND the stalk. I like to cook the head and eat the stalk raw while I'm cooking. They are both wonderful for you. Corn, carrot, peas, and potato are very starchy and high calorie and don't deserve the name of vegetable. If you can increase your veggies and cut your white carbs like pasta, potato, and rice, the weight will go down. Try spaghetti squash instead of pasta, and look for reduced carb breads-it's fairly easy to find. Instead of potato, try turnip or cauliflower.
The other suggestion I have for you is to buy a body fat scale and a measuring tape. Measure yourself monthly and you'll get some reassurance when your weight doesn't seem to be changing.
Good luck!
Melissa
