That's Fit

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Ms. Fitzness, I stopped smoking five months ago and have put on about 1.5 stones (21 pounds)! When is the best time to try and diet? I don't want to try and do too many things at once. I exercise regularly as I have my own horse and am always out and about. Thanks in advance, Lisa

A. Hey Lisa. Congratulations on your success getting rid of smoking! Smoking is one of the absolute worst things one can do to themselves, and your decision to quit is one of the best. Hooray! I'm literally doing a little 'happy dance' here at my laptop for you.

Now for your question about when you should begin dieting. Easy answer. NEVER! Never diet, lady! Diets are temporary behavioral changes that only lead to temporary results. Screw that! You are in this for the long term, sister, and no diet can last forever. What to do then? Gradually become more and more deliberate about what you put in your mouth. Seek out low fat, low calorie, high nutrition type food. Before you decide on any meal or snack, ask your self which would be the healthiest choice. Trade french fries for a baked sweet potato. Choose grilled poultry or fish over hamburgers. Find some calorie free beverages you enjoy as well.

You're obviously a woman who is capable of making big changes. The proof is in your purse (no cigarettes & more money). Losing weight, keeping it off, and remaining fit for life is the result of consistent healthy decisions. You don't have to be perfect. You do have to be diligent. If 90% of the food you put in your mouth is healthy, the other 10% won't make such a difference. Stick with it my friend, and be proud of what you've already accomplished. Time to take it to the next level! Fitz

Q. Hi Fitz. I have never had a big weight issue other than getting back to my size 10 after each of my six daughters. A year ago, October, I buried the love of my life, my high school boyfriend and husband of 27 years. We married after my first husband of 19 years had a sudden cardiac death. For months, nothing tasted good and I got "hooked" on Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia. It was the only thing that tasted good to me. Well, I ate 15 pounds worth of Cherry Garcia! Not to mention, it is the most expensive ice cream on the shelves.

Now nothing fits right unless it has an elastic waistband, and I refuse to buy new clothes a size bigger. I belong to a wellness center with all the state of art exercise machines, however I lack one BIG thing...I am totally unmotivated to go! Two back surgeries in the past 10 years have caused me to be extra careful of my back. I need to get back on track as I know at my age the weight does not come off easily. I must add, too, that the thought of eating any more Ben and Jerry's is nauseating. I have totally lost my appetite for it. Thank God! How can I lose the extra 15 pounds and fit into my closet full of clothes? I want a magic wand like everyone else! Kasie

A. First of all, Kasie.....I'm so sorry you've had to deal with not only the tragic loss of one husband, but two! How much can one person handle? The thought of losing mine makes me think nothing in the world would ever taste good again. So, please don't beat yourself up over your prior Ben and Jerry's addiction. I don't want you to pick it back up, but what's done is done. Let's get you back to being you.

Here's the good news. You're a lady who has lost decent amounts of weight before and can do it again! Here's the better news. Quite often, when we ditch the horrible habit that caused us to gain weight in the first place (dessert, liquor, breakfast buffets) our weight tends to move back down toward it's pre-addiction number.

As I would tell anyone wanting to lose weight, there is no magic wand (I'd be so rich if I had one). You just need to start becoming very particular about what you put in your mouth and make exercise a priority. Talk to a trainer at your gym about which exercises would be best in consideration of your back injury. Strive to train most days of the week. Shop for produce, lean meat, lean dairy, legumes and whole wheat products. Avoid saturated fats, sugary beverages and alcohol as well.

Kasie. I believe that fitness can prove to be your new form of healing. A year has gone by, and although I imagine the grieving process will be lengthy......fitness may give you a much needed recharge on life. Even short bursts of exercise can relieve stress, take off weight, enhance your energy levels and improve your confidence. You can do this Kasie. Aim to lose one or two pounds per week, and you'll be back in those size 10 jeans by Spring! My heart is with you. Please keep me posted on your success. I can't wait to hear all about it.

Punches & Kicks,

Fitz

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Note: The content presented in this Q. & A section is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as medical advice or substitute for professional medical care.