I don't know why I haven't done this sooner, but please go ahead and ask me anything related to your health, wellness, fitness or diet. If I don't know the answer, I'll do my best to point you in the right direction.
Leave a question in the comments section below. Who knows...your question could really help someone else out. You may think that your question is off-the-wall (and it's okay if it is), but chances are someone else has the very same question!
People often ask me about:
- Weight loss
- Belly fat
- Menopause or perimenopause
- Nutrients in food: "Why should I eat broccoli?"
- Direction with a meal plan/meal planning
- Services I offer
- Workouts
- Benefits of HIIT
- Stress management
- Pregnancy weight gain
The page is yours. Ask away!
What’s your thoughts on compression sleeves for your Arms when working out
Hi Gee,
Compression sleeves, whether on your arms or calves, can help to keep blood flowing/oxygen moving through your body – and in theory back to your heart and lungs making exercise more efficient. If you’re running or cycling, this could be beneficial (my guess is you’re a runner or cyclist), but for everyday activities (i.e. elliptical or weight training) I don’t know that the benefits would be great enough to wear them. Thanks for the question!
Hi Traci
I purchased your book a few years ago and used mostly your recipes.
I have now been usual the book and have lost over 20 lbs. Thankyou for printing this book . I feel better and on my way to the next 10 lbs.
do you have a Caesar Salad Healthy dressing. this is my favourite salad and would love to eat it once in a while.
again thank you for making the these changes in my life and love your web site.
CM
No, I don’t Cora. But you’ve inspired me. I’m always looking for suggestions. I’ll work on this and will let everyone know when it’s ready!
I followed the belly burn plan years ago with success. Two years ago, I went through premature menopause and gained my weight back. I now can’t seem to budge my weight. I did the broth and didn’t lose an ounce. Also, I’m an inverted shape. Any tips?
Hi Jessica, in menopause your estrogen drops pretty low. Research has shown that women who are menopausal can benefit from a plant-based diet that is higher in phytonutrients. You’re not only getting fiber that will help drag toxins out, but you’re eating anti-inflammatory, which helps tremendously. I would avoid eating a lot of animal protein and dairy. Chances are, the weight you’ve gained has been shifted to your belly area and it may be tempting to jump onto something like a keto diet, but try to resist as the short-term weight loss benefits will eventually be eclipsed by rebounding weight gain. I would also focus on activities like moderate cardio and yoga for strength. Loss of bone strength happens with menopause, so maintaining regular activity can help.
Hi, how do I gain weight but not have it go to my stomach? I am in menopause. Thank you
Hi Linda,
There are a couple of different types of fat that get stored through the belly area – subcutaneous and visceral fat (you can read more about that here). You probably have a combination of both – most people do. Menopause can make it difficult to shed fat, but it can be done by eating right. After your estrogen levels dropped off in menopause, fat migrates to the midsection – something that happens with all women. Here is a 2-day meal plan that will put you on the right track. It’s free and a good resource for you. Try to stick with the principles as much as possible. I hope this helps!
Traci!
Hello from West Virginia! I have been following your Belly Burn plan for a tad over 6 weeks, I am not finding any info on if Sour Cream is okay to use? I find myself getting busy or out on the boat without a plan to often the last few trips, I then am HUNGRY and let my my guard down and grab quick things. I don’t give into bread at all and I am amazed by that! So is Keto bead okay? Hot dogs bun-less are a trip, burgers in lettuce wraps are great!
Which plan are you following, Lisa? If you’re following the Apple plan, then yes, a little sour cream (preferably organic) is okay. If you’re a Pear, then I’d avoid it. Keto bread…again if you’re an Apple, it’s okay, but probably not for any other plan. I don’t know what the nutrition is of the bread you’re referring to, so it really depends on the ingredients. In general, I’m not a fan of ketogenic diets. I hope this answers your question. If not, just let me know!
I don’t know if you have addressed this before because I don’t have Internet and rarely get on Facebook but what do you think about the Keto diet? I am not a big meat eater but they have a lot of recipes that I really love which are high in oils and cheeses. I lost a lot of weight on your diet years ago but gained it back due to disability and 2 major injuries so exercise is not a part of my routine anymore.
Hi Linda, so nice to hear from you! I’m sorry you injured yourself. In some instances, I think a keto-type diet might be helpful. In fact, a ketogenic diet was used as a protocol in the early 1900s to treat diabetes. There has also been some hopeful research in terms of the benefits of keto for people with seizure disorders. BUT in general, I don’t like the diet for weight loss…at all. Here is a link to an article I wrote on it.
I hope this helps. Traci
Reduce body inflammation by eating/drinking this one thing, 2 things, 3 things. 70 + years old
Hi Carla, Thanks for the question! As cliche as it may sound, the single most important thing you can eat to reduce inflammation is fresh or lightly steamed/roasted vegetables – which cutting back on animal protein a little bit. This one-two combo will naturally help to decrease inflammation in the body as vegetables are alkaline and animal protein is acid. Alkaline foods are inherently less inflammatory than acid food. I can’t stress this enough.
As we get older, our digestive enzymes begin to diminish. This may not sound like a big deal, but we can’t absorb nutrients if the enzymes aren’t available. It’s why people over the age of 25 start to develop lactose intolerance, for example. Most of us are born with all the enzymes we need, then they start to become reduced. This is why I say FRESH or STEAMED/ROASTED. If you’re having a problem with digestion, steam or roast your veggies beforehand as the food is slightly broken down already and will be easier to digest.
Great question!
Any thoughts on exercises suited for 50 somethings, interested in low impact?
Hi Tony, Nice to hear from you! A couple of the best things you can do include A) isometric exercises, including planks, wall squats, modified tricep extension, etc., and B) cardiovascular activity such as walking, cycling (including on a recumbent bike), swimming, etc. The key is to maintain muscle tone and joint/ligament strength – and of course, metabolism. Unless there is something functionally wrong with a joint, such as an arthritic hip or knee, it’s just as important to keep some semblance of low impact happening for your body as low impact helps to maintain bone strength.
You’ve inspired me, though! I’ll work on a low-impact workout this week. Thanks for asking.
Are you going to write another book
Yes, I am. I’m nearly through the first stage of the process. It won’t be what you expect but I think you’ll like it.
Your probiotic recommendation has changed from book to now. What would you recommend today? I’m 66 yrs.
Thank you for your email tips!
Hi Candace,
There are so many brands of probiotics – some good and some not so good. I will sometimes change brands, but always use a probiotic that’s well researched. Today I’m using PB8. The thing to look for in a probiotic is listed in the supplement facts on the back of the label. I go into detail about what to look for in this probiotic article. You can find a good probiotic just about anywhere, but definitely turn the bottle around and read the supplement facts to ensure you’re getting bacteria that has been researched (refer to the article to see how to do this).
This is for regular GI support. If you have an underlying condition that might require a very specific probiotic, it’s best to talk to a doctor.
I hope this helps!
Your thoughts on drinking celery juice first thing in the morning? Worth it? Over-hyped? Can get similar benefits from overall diet? Thanks!
Hi Beth,
Celery juice is hot right now but if you’re healthy and just looking for a way to take things up a notch, nothing can beat a big glass of water when you wake up (maybe with a little bit of lemon juice or ACV). I’m not sold on it. A lot of the purported benefits (lowering blood pressure, improving skin, lowering cholesterol, etc.) can ALL be achieved by eating more plant-based foods and staying well hydrated. Make sense? I wouldn’t go out of my way to juice celery or buy it in a store. I hope that answers your question! Thanks for asking.
I’am 49 I work 4 12 hrs shift them I’m off for for days I do not have that much energy anymore I have been trying to do your diet for pear shaped body. I start then I stop. Need help to stay on track
Hi Cheryl,
I get it. I can see how it would be a lot of work to follow the meal plan with your schedule. When you can’t follow the plan, stick with these pear-shaped principles:
*Drink water 15 minutes before every meal/snack
*Make sure you’re getting plenty of fiber with each meal
*Cut back or cut out dairy entirely (see comments below)
*Eat a smaller breakfast, moderate size lunch and larger dinner
**I don’t eliminate dairy in the recommendations in my book, however, in the past couple years I’ve had a great many private clients benefit significantly when they cut out ALL dairy.
Hi Tracey! Thanks for all you great resources!
What are your thoughts on intermittent fasting as way to lose weight? mid 40s, over 70 lbs to lose, pear shaped.
And also, is coffee really a no no for pear shaped :)
And what are your thoughts on Maca as supplement for potentially slow to no weightless due to hormones.
Hi Yvonne,
Intermittent fasting: I think it’s fine as long as you don’t have any underlying metabolic concern or medical history that could be problematic, such as diabetes. If you’re otherwise healthy, give it a shot, but eating healthy is still the key!
Coffee: I used to say no way to coffee, but some people saw no difference and other people dropped weight quickly. What I suggest is that you cut it out for two weeks (opt for green tea for a couple days to avoid a caffeine headache). If after two weeks you notice a weight shift that can’t be attributed to any other changes – then you might be onto something. Stick with it! Make sense?
Maca: I’ve read a few studies using animal models (rats) and there are a couple of human studies. I’d be careful as all hormones sit in homeostasis, meaning they’re in balance relative to one another. There are some positive studies that show people benefit in terms of energy, but others show no difference. Some studies show a benefit with blood pressure, but others show no difference. Granted, it’s been used for ages in South America, if it were me, I’d do everything I could to change my diet first before taking Maca. This probably isn’t the answer you want to hear, but I’m conservative with supplements that have a research-based history of going in either direction.
Thanks for the questions!