As a registered dietitian and a health industry expert, Ilyse Schapiro and Hallie Rich are “Dear Abby” meets Sex and the City meets Dr. Oz. They’re realistic in their approach, without getting too technical. They know people will cheat on their diets, dine out, consume alcohol, and have (hopefully plenty of) sex. They also know people have questions about it all (who doesn’t?). While many people may feel comfortable asking their best friend, they really want expert advice. That’s where Should I Scoop My Bagel? will help.
- Can I lose a few pounds before the weekend?
Move more. Eat Less. To lose just 1 pound in a week, you have to consume 3,500 fewer calories than you burn A great way to do this is to eliminate about 500 calories per day. That may seem like a lot, but it’s easier than you think. Reduce your caloric intake by 250 calories per day and increase your exercise routine to burn an extra 250 calories per day. Cut calories, start by swapping snacks, eliminate processed foods and try to plan out your meals and snacks as best you can. At the same time, you have to keep your body moving so get to the gym, go for a run outside, or find a video you can do at home. By moving a little more and eating a little less, you should be able to drop a few pounds in a safe and effective way by the weekend.
- Are there foods that will help with my awful PMS?
When PMS roars, it’s no secret to you or those around you. We all become extremely sensitive, emotional, cranky, irritable, and depressed. We also usually become ravenous. Although you may feel hungrier than normal, stick to having small meals every three to four hours to keep your blood sugar stable and prevent yourself from overeating. This will help to ensure you keep your hunger in check. Stick to a diet high in magnesium, B vitamins (especially B6), and calcium. These nutrients have been shown to be of some help with both physical and mental symptoms. Most of these nutrients can be found in foods including chickpeas, wild salmon, chicken breast, oatmeal, spinach, broccoli, nuts, kale, and lentils. You can also look to supplements as an additional way to get these nutrients.
Since you are eating throughout the day, and you shouldn’t be starving, it will be more manageable to give in to some of your cravings without going off the deep end. It’s better to eat a little bit of what you want and feel satisfied then to eat a ton of crap you didn’t need in the first place. The healthy small meals you’re eating throughout the day should allow you the luxury to enjoy a few bites of your favorite food.
- What foods should I eat before sex to get me in the mood and keep me going?
Don’t just lay there, sex is a great work out! It’s really important to make sure you eat healthy and drink lots of water to keep you hydrated (but not too much where you have to pee constantly because that’s sure to ruin the mood). Try to avoid foods that leave you gassy, bloated, and tired or those that give you bad breath or make you smelly. So save beans, broccoli, and onions for a day when your beau is out of town or when you know there will be no shacking up. While some people feel like they need alcohol to get in the mood or lose their inhibitions, it can actually be a deterrent, leaving you (and potentially some of his important parts) sleepy.
- What foods will help me stop feeling bloated?
Drink Water. The more dehydrated you are, the more likely your body will be to retain water. As you begin to rehydrate, your body will flush everything out and your stomach should go back to its regular size.
In addition to increasing your water intake, you should also look for foods that are low in sodium, high in potassium, and contain a ton of fiber. These can include whole grain breads, oatmeal, bananas, beans, leafy greens, brown rice, lentils, beans, artichokes, cherries, berries, pears, and apples. Other foods or seasonings to include in your diet are rosemary, turmeric, peppermint, and ginger as these can all help with digestion and bloating. Eating foods with probiotics or taking a probiotic supplement can be extremely helpful, too.
- All I do is eat salad and I’m not losing weight. What am I doing wrong?
You shouldn’t only be eating salads. The word salad in it, it doesn’t automatically make it a healthy or low-calorie choice. To figure out how your salad ranks, start by taking an inventory of what you’ve put in your bowl: what kinds of toppings, how much dressing, and how big is it? Stay away from iceberg lettuce, which has very few (if any) nutrients and fiber. Instead, use more nutritious greens, like kale, spinach, romaine, arugula, or mesclun. Fill your salad with unlimited veggies, but avoid peas and corn, as those tend to be starchy. Watch the extras such as cheese, nuts, seeds, crunchy things (like wontons, noodles, croutons, bacon bits) and dried fruits (raisins, craisins). Choose a lean protein, like grilled chicken, shrimp, turkey, tofu, eggs, or salmon, and avoid fried, breaded, and processed meats. Try to get dressings on the side and stick to two tablespoons or less.
