I'm 24 years old and overweight. I've had heart surgery when I was 2 yrs old and, because of it, my exercising ability has always been limited. Since I never have actually worked-out, and I really need to lose weight (it's both a health issue and an esthetical one...) since my bmi is now 38.2, I was wondering whether someone could give me some advice how to start. I want to burn calories, but not strain myself too much.
Also, what kind of diet would be good for me? I was thinking of 5-6 small meals a day (to boost my metabolism), mostly fresh fruit and vegetables, low-fat milk products, fish and poultry, stuff like that.
Any advice would be good. :)
2007-03-13 04:38:01 · 4 answers · asked by Ana H 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
Yes, 5 to 6 small meals a day is the way to go for dieting. Our bodies are programmed to keep us alive. When we skip a meal our bodies think we may not have had the food to eat so our metabolism slows down and diverts any metabolized food to fat. If we eat several small meals a day, our bodies think we are not going to starve, it uses the extra fat, and the food constantly being digested keeps us burning extra calories. And we don't get hungry.
For you taking a couple of brisk walks a day is the best exercise. Start off walking short distances and as you start
to get fit walk a little farther.
I hope you will contact me on my 360 page. I really would like to know how you did, and if any body's advice helped you.
Good luck!
2007-03-17 16:15:46 · answer #1 · answered by harri_pitts 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The 5-6 meals a day is great! Add into that diet some whole grains like whole wheat bread and pasta. Also sweet potato is a great food for weight management, and it's tasty as all hell.
Cut out sugary foods, pop(or soda as some call it) is the devil's drink and it's only for fun, not hydration. Drink 2L of water per day, it's easy if you drink it while exercising. Another great drink for hydration and flavour is tea. If you find some good quality looseleaf teas they are best, you can drink them without sugar because they're not bitter.
Other than that, start off slow, like go for walks. Then work up to a machine of some kind, whichever you prefer, and keep an eye on your heart-rate and generally how you're feeling. Don't overwork yourself.
Also talk to your doctor, he or she will be able to tell you what you can do, and monitor your progress.
2007-03-13 04:54:00 · answer #2 · answered by Luis 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The diet is a great start for you. I am 25 years old with a Heart Disease. I had it ever since I was born. I was overweight numerous times in my life.
What My Heart doctor told me is to exercise. Because I had gained about 15 pounds in November of 06 November I decided to walk. I walked around the outdoor track or I jumped rope. Plus I drunk about 4 or 5 bottles of Water a day also. But anyway, the diet is a good start. Also someone with a heart problem. They should also exercise with the dieting.
2007-03-13 09:00:46 · answer #3 · answered by misschocolatemilkshake 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
walking would be a good start, like everyday, for the diet you can go on a meal replacement, its powder and its comes in three flavours strawberry, chocolate and vanilla. You can buy it at walmart. Put one scoop into a blender with some fruit and cranberry juice, blueberry or pomegramme and liquefy it with your blender and you are away to the races. Make it your night time meal. And if your concerned about plaque buildup in your arteries you can try serratia peptidase, this product cleans your arteries, you take it when you go to bed. And always consult your doctor before trying anything new.
2007-03-13 06:35:15 · answer #4 · answered by Bruce 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋