Q9. I EAT SENSIBLY, I TAKE REGULAR EXERCISE, BUT I'VE GAINED 10 POUNDS IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS. WHY?

Not an easy question to answer!

There are several possible answers. In order of likelihood...

1. You are under-estimating your calorie-intake

Questions

- Are you dining out more than usual?

- Has a change of routine caused you to (eg) change your eating habits?
For example: Are you skipping meals in favor of high calorie snacks?

- Does your neighbor come round at weekends and force-feed you candy bars?

The solution is simple: keep a food diary for 7 days. Then count up. Check your total against your calorie needs.



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2. You are over-estimating your calorie-expenditure

Questions

- Have you reduced the intensity of your exercise routine?
- Does the calorie-calculator on your treadmill need servicing?
- Have you stopped sleepwalking?

Once again, the solution is simple: if you find yourself taking less exercise, don't celebrate by eating more Haagen Dazs.

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3. You are taking medication that is causing you to gain weight

If you think this may apply to you, ask your doctor/pharmacist for a list of possible side-effects of the medication. Or ask for an alternative medication.

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4. You are approaching menopause

If so, here are a few general guidelines.

(1) Start taking regular physical exercise. If you are already workout regularly, increase the intensity of your workouts.

(2) Make a serious effort to reduce your intake of processed or refined foods, and eat more whole foods: like fruits, vegetables and grains (oats, whole wheat). Also, make sure your fiber intake is adequate. (25-30g per day). In a nutshell, focus on eating a super-healthy diet.

(3) Keep a food diary for 7 days. Then count up your calories and compare your total with your calorie needs.

(4) When eating out, make a serious effort to choose lower-calorie options.


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5. Your scales are wrong

Get them fixed.

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6. Your eyes need testing

Throw them out and get a new pair. (Whoops, some confusion here)

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