Q: I am 40 pounds overweight and want to be sure to be doing enough cardio exercise to shed these pounds as quickly, yet safely as possible. How much cardio should I be doing?
A: At a healthy 2 pounds per week, you should be able to shed those 40 pounds in about 5 months. So, here is what I would suggest: 30-45 minutes of cardio three times a week. But, you need to do the Visibly Fit™ exercises daily to replace the weight that is lost with lean muscle.
Q: What is the recommended balance of fat, protein and carbohydrates I should be eating for healthy, maximum weight loss?
A: While we are all unique, a general rule of thumb and what I recommend for maximum weight loss is a diet which consists of 15 percent fat, 15 percent protein, and 70 percent unrefined carbohydrates. I emphasize unrefined carbohydrates! This means whole-grain breads, cereals, rice and pasta vs. the white varieties. Lesson Two in my book Every Woman’s Guide to Personal Power details how to eat for proper nutrition during weight loss and weight management.
Q: I recently read that overeating is a major cause of premature aging. Is this really true?
A: Absolutely. This is because most people who overeat are undernourished. Scientific research has proven that when an anti-oxidant rich, nutrient-rich diet is eaten in moderation, aging can be delayed and you can add years of vitality to your life.
Q: I have been doing the exercises on your Daily 7×11 DVD for 3 weeks, while eating a 1500 calorie per day healthy diet (I am 5’6″ tall) and the scale has barely moved! I’m really getting frustrated. What do you suggest?
A: Remember that you are in the process of building muscle, and muscle weighs more than fat. Be patient, keep persisting and you will see results with that number on the scale moving down! But, more importantly, be sure to take your body measurements and take note of how your clothes feel now vs. three weeks ago. You may be losing inches now and the pounds will follow later. This is often the case, especially if you are new to fitness and strength training.
