With Emily Grantz
In each issue of Extol, Emily Grantz will offer answers to your questions regarding health and nutrition. If you have a question for Em, please send it to extol@extolmag.com and put “Ask Em” in the subject line.
Dear Em:
Forgive me for judging, but based on your photo, you look awfully fit. How do you take care of your body when things start changing after 30?
Truly,
I Want To Feel Fabulous
Dear Fabulous:
Thanks for the compliment! Let me be honest: I don’t ever tell myself that I can’t have something, whether it is food, alcohol or whatever. I try to workout at least four times a week and do my best with eating balanced meals and snacks. Also, I drink about half of my body weight in ounces of water a day and only allow myself one soda a week, but even then I don’t always drink one. We are always our own worst critic, and I know that I could stand to drop a few LBs, but I feel good about myself and try to live a healthy lifestyle, which I think is half the battle, regardless of your age.
Thanks For Asking,
Em
Dear Em:
Everyone from Dr. Oz to Dr. Phil seems to have the answer to living a healthy life. How do you sort through all of the chatter?
Sincerely,
So Tired of Talk
Dear Tired:
Good question! I think you have to take these talk shows with a grain of salt and some of the topics that are talked about are somewhat trendy ways to lose weight. Everyone is different, so if you have a medical condition and/or take multiple medications, then it is best to consult your physician before trying anything you see on these talk shows. Better to be safe than sorry. For the most part, they are trying to bring to your attention to what is new and happening in the healthcare world. So my advice is listen to what they have to say, do a bit of research of your own and then always consult your physician.
Thanks For Asking,
Em
Dear Em:
I’m a foodie who loves eating local. I’ve also gained 10 pounds in the past four months, though I’ve enjoyed every bite. How can I still indulge without sacrificing my love for local locales?
Satisfied Albeit Mystified,
Fun Foodie
Dear Fun Foodie:
Can we go out to dinner? Kidding aside, I feel your pain. I, too, love trying out local restaurants. But I guess the real questions is how often are you eating out? If you are eating most of your meals out, then you need to consider changing that first and foremost. I know a lot of people who eat out almost everyday or even multiple times a day, but that can really play havoc on your wallet and your waistline. Try going out to eat for the weekend or save it for celebrating something special like a birthday. When you do go out to eat, try these rules: start with a big glass of water (16 ounces or more), choose leaner meats (tenderloin, sirloin, chicken or seafood) and order it bake, broiled, grilled or steamed, pass on the French fries, and substitute brown or whole grain rice for white rice or bread. Also, try choosing a double order of veggies over a potato and instead of indulging in creamy pasta dishes, opt for one with tomato sauce. And if you must have dessert, then order something for the table and only have a couple bites to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Thanks For Asking,
Em
Emily Grantz is a healthcare professional and writer who will share her expertise on these pages of Extol. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Dietetics from Indiana University-Bloomington and is a registered nurse. Emily’s opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Extol Magazine, Inc., and are not to be taken as medical advice. They are opinions only.
