Ask Kristine Q&A

Tapping Feet, Burning Calories

2007-03-20T20:11:00Z

Q: Does sitting and tapping both feet burn any calories? If so, how do you calculate this? – Jacqueline A: You can burn calories through any type of movement, but tapping your feet will not burn many. You can burn approximately 25-30 calories by tapping your feet for 10 minutes....(read more)

Weight Loss Problems

2007-03-20T20:10:00Z

Q: I want to lose weight. I have dieted on and off again for years (I am 48 years old and have been heavy since the birth of my first child 25 years ago). These are the truths I accept about myself: 1. I eat way too much. 2. I exercise way too little. 3. I am disgusted by the way I look and I am starting to feel the effects of being too heavy for too long. What diet do you recommend? I have tried Weight Watchers (once with success) but I live too far out of town to make meetings on a regular basis....(read more)

Nutrition Program for Schools

2007-03-20T20:09:00Z

Q: Do you know of any school programs/curriculum that teach nutrition and offer ways to partner with the food services staff to create healthier options in the school cafeteria? I am researching getting a program like this in my local school and it would help a great deal if there was a model out there already. – Debi A: The United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service outlines a few nutritional programs on it website....(read more)

Body Weight Plateau

2007-03-19T18:48:00Z

Q: My daughter has been overweight for 20 of her 28 years, and always a little fluffy. She has gone on many diets and lost down to 190-200. Then she plateaus. In May she had a gastric bypass and has done well until now. She works out 7 days a week with cardiac exercises at the gym for 1-3 hours. She drinks 2-3 liters of water a day and yet she is stuck at 200 lbs. She eats low carbs and high protein. Are we missing something unusual? A: An undiagnosed medical condition, such as hypothyroidism, could...(read more)

Rapid Weight Loss

2007-03-19T18:47:00Z

Q: I have a problem with losing weight, Before I tell you anything else, I need to tell you that I am 15 years of age and in a few months I will be 16. I was looking at one page and it said "ask Kristine a question" Well I wasn’t quite sure how to ask, so I decided to just type to the editor, I guess. I'm really hoping you can help me out. I would like to lose weight as I have mentioned. I’m 5'3 and I’m 15 and 148 pound Female. I need a way to lose my weight FAST, and something that will not take...(read more)

Exercises to Improve Lungs

2007-03-19T18:46:00Z

Q: I have recently found out I have the lung capacity of a 132-year-old man and am in the process of purchasing a rowing machine, the good kind. My question is basically, am I purchasing the right equipment? I have a good treadmill that I use and which does a good job on the legs but I want something for the lungs. A: Virtually any type of cardio exercise will benefit your lungs. Both the rowing machine and treadmill would be beneficial. Alternate between the two of them....(read more)

Caloric Intake for Senior Male

2007-03-19T18:46:00Z

Q: What is the recommended daily caloric intake for a 60-year-old male? I am 6’ and weigh 172 lbs. and walk 4 miles a day on a good treadmill (4 mph and varying incline rates – the machine says I burn approx. 600 calories per walk). – Jim A: The recommended caloric intake for the average male is 2,500. Because you are a healthy weight and exercise regularly this would probably be an appropriate caloric intake for you....(read more)

Low Caloric Alcoholic Beverages

2007-03-19T18:45:00Z

Q: I am cutting down on the fatty foods I eat and like to enjoy a drink. To help this effort what are some of the lowest calorie alcohol drinks I could have. – Steve A: The majority of wines contain about 70 calories per 4 ounces. A 12-ounce light beer contains about 105 calories. Vodka, scotch, rum and whiskey contain 115 calories per 1.5 ounces. Remember, the calorie content increases when you add mixers....(read more)

Weight Loss Alternatives

2007-03-19T18:39:00Z

Q: For medical reasons it is imperative that I lose weight. I am considered severely obese and have all the weight-related illnesses (i.e.: Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol) and also experience joint and hip pain. I am 47 years old and have tried Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, LA weight loss, you name it. Isn't it basically, calories in and calories out? I am so sick of spending a fortune to fall off the diet wagon and end up with even more rebound weight. My medical insurance...(read more)

Diet for a Fatty Liver

2007-03-19T18:37:00Z

Q: What can I do to improve a fatty liver? – Murlene A: Treatment for a fatty liver really depends on the cause. If obesity is the reason for having a fatty liver it would be advisable to go on a low-fat diet. Alcohol consumption can also lead to a fatty liver so it should be avoided. The third cause is malnutrition. Consult your doctor as to the cause of your liver problem. Eating a balanced diet is important improving the liver. Consume plenty of proteins from fish, lean meats eggs and low fat...(read more)

Egg Diet

2007-03-19T18:36:00Z

Q: I was searching your site for a particular diet called the boiled egg diet. I was unable to find anything pertaining to this diet, could you please email me information or lead me in the direction as to where I may find this information. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. – John A: The boiled egg diet involves eating two boiled eggs for every meal. Eggs are very healthy – high in protein, vitamins and minerals – but you will likely tire of eating nothing else quite quickly....(read more)

Pretzels

2007-03-19T18:34:00Z

Q: I understand pretzels to be a "smarter" choice far as a snack instead of chips etc, however, could too many cause discomfort, bloating of the belly, constipation, and others given the fact they contain wheat, flour, gluten? I ban carbs but enjoy pretzels for a treat sometimes but always have a stomach ache, bloated feeling and constipation. Hope I'm not being graphic but I trust you'll understand and perhaps provide some advice. I've tried the gluten free ones but they're hard as rocks! Any answers...(read more)

Non-acid Condiments

2007-03-19T18:33:00Z

Q: I have been told that I have acid reflux and my diet needs to change dramatically. I have been eating a lot of ketchup since I was a child and have been told to stay away from tomatoes, along with almost everything else that I enjoy. Can you recommend an alternative to ketchup that does not have the acidity, sugar and high sodium content? I find food to be quite bland and am looking for a tasty condiment. – Roger A: Acid reflux can be very difficult for individuals who enjoy condiments because...(read more)

Diet for Acid Reflux

2007-03-16T13:12:00Z

Q: Do you have a daily diet plan for acid reflux? I just found out from my doctor that I have it. It certainly would help to have a special diet menu to follow. I appreciate any help you can give me. – Arlene A: The key to managing acid reflux is to eat small meals more often. The stomach does not have to work as hard to digest smaller portions of food. Eating complex carbohydrates that are higher in fiber also aids digestion. Whole grain breads, cereals and pastas are helpful. Avoid caffeine and...(read more)

Hoodia and Diabetes

2007-03-16T13:09:00Z

Q: I am diabetic and my condition is controlled by diet. I am also morbidly obese and have high blood pressure. Can I take Hoodia? Is it safe for me to take? – Eileen A: The truth is, there is very little if any scientific evidence to prove the safety or effectiveness of hoodia. Hoodia, as a plant, has been proven to help suppress the appetite of Bushmen in Africa who used the plant to stave off hunger during hunting trips. Supplements available on the market today, however, tend to not have a high...(read more)