Frequently Asked Questions

Dear Fitnessman - What do you think of this Atkins low-carb diet craze? Are carbohydrates really bad for you?
Carbohydrate is not bad for you. Carbohydrate is a nutrient. The problem occurs when carbohydrate is consumed in excess, and when those carbohydrates have been processed to the point that they have little or no nutritional value. What you're left with is excessive consumption of empty calories. Many of my clients assume I've put them on a low carb diet, when all I've done is remove most processed foods. Most of the protien and fat we consume comes from milk, eggs & meats. As long as they're not processed, they're ok for the most part. Carbohydrate on the other hand, if it comes in the form of breads, pastas & sweets has little or no nutritional value and will be stored as fat. Carbohydrate that comes in the form of whole grains, fresh fruits & vegetables will nourish your body & help stoke the metabolic furnace.

I am a male in my mid 30's. I'm finding it extremely difficult to lose my extra bit of belly fat. Can you give me any tips?
Imagine bailing all the water out of a swimming pool. When half the water is gone, the shallow end is empty, but the deep end is still half full. Works the same way with weight loss. Wherever your body stores the greatest percentage of its fat is the deep end of your pool. In other words, to lose more belly fat, you have to lower your overall percentage of body fat.

What is the proper amount of body fat?
For men, 3.0% - 5.0% is considered essential for good health. For Athletes, 5.0% - 13.0% is the norm. For mere mortals who are fit, 12.0% - 18.0% is normal. For women, 11.0% - 14.0% is essential. 12.0% - 22.0% is the norm for female athletes & 16.0% - 25.0% for fit mortals.

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