- Can we have all the fruits that are available in the market for weight loss?
Yes we can have all fruits on a weight loss programme. Even fruits like banana, chikku, custard apple can be included into the diet plan.
- Why does weight fluctuate a lot for a hypothyroid person?
Thyroid gland is body's thermostat, which controls the activity & speeds the metabolism, also sends chemical messages through hormones to every cell. Because of the sluggish thyroid, metabolism slows down and thereby burns only few calories. When diet and exercise are not followed diligently, the body gains weight faster due to slow metabolism.
- Why shouldn't coffee / tea be consumed in excess?
Both tea and coffee contain caffeine, which should not be consumed in large quantities. Also, the sugar and milk in the tea / coffee increases the calories.
- Can we give Soya chunks / Soya paneer for people of weight loss / weight gain?
Both Soya chunks and Soya paneer are good sources of protein and can be taken on both weight loss and weight gain programs (so long as the calories and proteins are adjusted according to the individual's requirements).
- Why do people have hair loss while on a diet? What is the reason?
Apart from hereditary reasons, hair loss can happen in people who have been put on diets that are not nutritionally balanced and are lacking in some vitamins and minerals (deficiency of vit A, vit E, zinc, iron). In some cases stress can also cause hair loss.
- Can we allow dry fruits for weight loss?
Normally dry fruits and nuts are not recommended in a weight loss regimen by dietitians as they are nutrient dense foods. But, if the client insists or has been taking them regularly, they can be recommended in specified quantities in place of the regular snack. This would require the calories from the nuts to be adjusted within the total calories.
- Can skipping meals make one lose weight?
No. This can lead to a drop in metabolic rate, reduction in lean body mass and increase in body fat mass. Other harmful effects include chronic nutrient deficiencies, fatigue, poor resistance to infections, lack of mental well being, etc.
- Why is water very important in weight loss?
Water is important at every stage in the process of fat breakdown. Also the muscular activity calls for more water intake to take care of the lactic acid accumulation due to exercise. It also takes care of dehydration i.e. water loss through physical activity, thus preventing cramps.
- How does excess salt intake not help in losing weight?
Excess salt can bring about water retention, which can lead to weight gain.
- Will dieting help one to lose fat on the abdomen?
Spot reductions are not real. One needs to take a balanced diet along with an exercise regime from a qualified fitness trainer to bring about the desired results. Abdominal exercises can help in tightening the muscles in the abdominal area. Diets can't correct body figure.
- Why can't one lose weight below the ideal body weight?
A lot of people do lose weight below the IBW on crash diets alone, but this is not healthy weight loss. It is not advisable to lose weight below one's IBW as one tends to lose lean body mass along with it. For a person who is on a diet + exercise regimen, it may be difficult to lose weight below the IBW, as muscle weighs more than fat.
- Why is weight loss slow for a person with PCOD even when on exercise and diet?
PCOD is a hormonal disorder brought about due to Insulin Resistance (IR). It requires a very strict diet and exercise regimen for the cells to overcome the IR and for the person to lose weight. Though weight loss is slower, a high protein, low CHO diet seems to be beneficial for PCOD.
- Why can't people have foods that claim to be '0' cals / carbs?
Other than water, no other natural food or beverage is "Zero" calorie. Usually foods labeled as such contain artificial sweeteners. These are nothing but chemicals which may be more harmful than sugar in the long run.
- Why can't people have potatoes, carrots, peas and beetroot while trying to lose weight?
These vegetables can be consumed in moderation when on a weight loss program. Though they are high in either starch or simple sugars, they are natural foods and supply vital nutrients.
- Why do people get constipated during periods?
Many women experience changes, such as slow bowel activity and harder stools both during and just before their periods that might be hormonal. Constipation during menstruation can also be caused by diet as some women have a less healthy diet at this time, eating more of sweet food.
