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Suggest Ways To Lose Weight

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Posted on Tue, 14 Mar 2017
Question: I'm 5'11" 250 male and truck driver. What can I do to lose weight and stay healthy on the road?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

If you eat food from restaurants and fast food places along the road, that can make things a bit harder, but nowadays more places carry some healthy alternatives to hamburgers and fries.

In general, try to increase your consumption of vegetables and "whole foods". By whole foods, I mean foods that are minimally or less processed - such as an orange instead of orange juice. Avoid simple carbohydrates such as sweets, sweet drinks, added sugar, foods made with refined flours (white bread, starchy pastas). Sweet potatoes can be filling while still having a "low glycemic" count. Decrease meat consumption (gradually) and replace it with plant based proteins such as from tofu and beans. Try to avoid "junk food" such as chips, which don't offer much in the way of nutrition.

I don't know how many hours you are on the road, but if you can build in an exercise routine, that will help too. Even a few minutes here and there at a rest stop can help.

Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (46 minutes later)
Ok what about salads? and what can I eat when I want something sweet? your answer is very informative
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Yes, salads would fall under the "vegetables" category for the most part. And increasing vegetables is a good thing.

For something sweet, consider having fruit. You might want to go to the store and experiment by trying out some fruits you don't normally have.

Eventually you retrain your desire for sweets such that the more typical junk food sweets taste too sweet and you don't miss them. But if after a few weeks of sweet food abstinence you still want something other than fruit, go ahead and occasionally have a piece of chocolate cake or whatever it is you like. Occasionally doing so is not a problem. Finding whatever sweet it is you like but with higher quality ingredients (such as cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup, and no preservatives or added colors) is better than nothing. And just make sure you eat this in moderation. Some people abstain from foods they like and then when they do have it, kind of go crazy with the amount because they are no longer on their diet. Allow yourself treats, just limit how much and how often.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (15 minutes later)
Thank you so much. very helpful
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (15 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Your welcome!

Detailed Answer:
Glad to help where I can.

Good luck to you!
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Suggest Ways To Lose Weight

Brief Answer: Information Detailed Answer: Hello, If you eat food from restaurants and fast food places along the road, that can make things a bit harder, but nowadays more places carry some healthy alternatives to hamburgers and fries. In general, try to increase your consumption of vegetables and "whole foods". By whole foods, I mean foods that are minimally or less processed - such as an orange instead of orange juice. Avoid simple carbohydrates such as sweets, sweet drinks, added sugar, foods made with refined flours (white bread, starchy pastas). Sweet potatoes can be filling while still having a "low glycemic" count. Decrease meat consumption (gradually) and replace it with plant based proteins such as from tofu and beans. Try to avoid "junk food" such as chips, which don't offer much in the way of nutrition. I don't know how many hours you are on the road, but if you can build in an exercise routine, that will help too. Even a few minutes here and there at a rest stop can help. Please let me know if I can provide further information.