leo@cca.UUCP (Louise Osterman) (12/13/85)
I have waged various battles with fat since the age of 15 (and I'm waging the worst one yet right now!) I have always been drawn to articles on weight control, nutrition, and such. I do not pretend to be any authority on it - if I were, I would have it under control :-). At any rate, there is one aspect of weight loss and caloric intake that I've read in a few of the articles posted that I really think needs to be commented on. Just because your body has adjusted itself to a lower caloric intake, which frequently happens when someone drops their intake substantially, does not mean that you are stuck with that lower caloric-need level. An article I read a few years ago had an exercise and food plan that increased the body's ability to burn calories at a faster rate. I do not remember which magazine it was in, although it was a woman's magazine. One part of the exercise plan was to exercise (brisk walks were one of the recommended exercises) about 20 minutes after eating. The food plan was basically healthy meals, although I do not remember if they advocated 3 or 6 meals a day. I guess what stuck out most is that you can increase your metabolic rate! As I recall, I read this in a magazine at a friend's house in late '82 or anytime in '83. It was probably in Good Housekeeping or Redbook or a woman's magazine of that type, since I don't buy those (I would have saved the article had it been my magazine.) About GAINING weight, several posters said things about proper nutrition, eating regularly, and such. Another thing to keep in mind is body types - ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph. Some people's bodies just are not designed to carry much in terms of weight, be it muscle and/or fat. There is also the issue of frame size. We're not all intended to look like Christie Brinkley or Tom Selleck, or whoever is being promoted as "the ultimate." Being healthy, feeling good, and having a body that responds readily to the demands placed upon it are my best indicators of what is right for me. Incidentally, with my height ( 5' 6"), frame size (large), and body type (whichever of the ones named above that retains fat easily), I find that my ribs start to stick out at 150 lbs. (providing I am exercising regularly). And, no, I don't look like a football player! :-) There are no easy answers to the weight control issue, be it gaining or losing pounds. It does require a lot of self-discipline and analyzing your life-style and body's needs. If I wanted to gain weight, I would eat lots of carbos, but that might not be the best for someone whose body burns carbos rapidly. The suggestions about adding more fat and protein to one's diet may be more appropriate. If in doubt, check with a nutritionist or doctor; playing around with diets can be dangerous. I know of someone who went on "crash" diet and lost 50 lbs. in three months and also messed up her thyroid for life. BTW, I've got plenty of extra pounds to go around, any takers? :-) :-) Louise E. Osterman