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If you are in healthy condition and your sodium intake increases, yes, you will retain water. But, you will get rid of it soon. Your body is always in a balance. If you begin eating more sodium, you will gain water weight, but then you will also excrete (urinate) it out. It's a natural process of your body. Don't try to…

It will definitely strengthen your legs, but when you do endurance-type workouts, it's considered a "cardio" workout because your body gets better at doing that exercise for longer. You will also be able to increase your resistance as you do it (which is the strength part), but 'strength training' is normally associated…

Don't worry about your sodium if your blood pressure is fine :). Obviously you don't want to be eating salt out of a spoon, but your body knows how to regulate it's own electrolyte levels. If you're exercising, you're losing electrolytes in your sweat, and it's important to replace them. The salt restriction really only…

I would just like to say this thread is how us guys get a bad rap. Trying to do something nice, and someone takes it as an insult. I don't know many men that would go out of their way to spend money on something they don't need just to insult someone =). I would like to think the person that wanted to insult you would do…

Congrats on the first 5k! The first one is the hardest. Now, you're experienced :). As for running, I enjoy running without music as well. I find I enjoy the scenery (even if it is just traffic with a few trees). Plus, it keeps me aware of my surroundings, so I don't get run over :). As for listening to your body, that's a…

I'm a big fan of Aasics, but they can tend to be expensive =\. Finding some that help your overpronation is definitely key though. I'm not very good at bargain shopping, so I shouldn't be answering this question :). But, Aasics are great running shoes. Philip

My deepest admiration to someone who can completely change their outlook on life. It truly takes strength/courage that only other people who have gone through it understand. Congrats on your weight loss, and I like your goals. Keep it realistic and you'll keep yourself happy! Philip

Many meals/recipes that you already have can be turned into low carb foods. Substitute your breads/rices with wheat/brown versions. That cuts a lot of carbs and a lot of calories. As for 'fulfilling,' your body's natural satiety center is pleased by protein. So, a low carb diet normally means increased protein which will…

Hmm, sounds familiar. My friends wanted to go eat dinner last night, and we ended up at a Chinese Buffet. Needless to say, ice cream was dessert. Splurging once in a while isn't terrible :). Just makes us work that much harder tomorrow =D Philip

Excellent description of the burn by Songbyrdsweet :). As for this quoted test, it sounds like you're doing it right! Looks like you're pushing the right amount. Only you can be the real judge though :). You should feel the "burn" at the end of a workout, but it shouldn't be the reason you quit. Philip

Excellent article with beautiful statistics to back it up. A true article :). Evidence-based medicine is a beautiful thing! Keep it up. Philip

Some people might sound surprised but the answer to your question is "Beans." Beans are an EXCELLENT source of fiber and protein. I realize that adverse effects of gas, but that gas is actually undigested sugars. Look at it this way: Any gas it creates and you expel is calories your body didn't absorb :). There's also…

I must admit that I didn't read the entire article, but the part about the Atkins diet (or carbohydrate diets in general) is not completely true. If you are ingesting proteins/fats from foods your body is not going to ignore them and break down your muscle. Your body is smart and knows when it needs to store and when it…

I agree with you, but I have to add an air of caution. This "oxygen debt" you speak of is where you start feeling the "burn." While working hard enough to feel some "burn" is good, the "burn" is also what stops you from working out. So, the best exercise will be the one that raises your heart rate, causes you to sweat, but…

Wow, water helps clear acne??? Did that work?? I like the calorie burning bathroom breaks, lol! I drink about 6 glasses of water a day, but most of it happens to be run through coffee grounds =D. Philip

If you've been doing it right since January, it has become a habit and you know how much you eat. I think you'll do fine and be a great example to your family! Philip

Grilled fresh fish is by far the healthiest, but we can't always get fresh fish :). Good for you for trying it though. Battered does add some extra calories, but as long as you're aware of it, that's okay. To answer your question, Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish no matter how it's prepared/stored. Do not be too…

I'm a firm believe in that there is a difference between judging and empathy. Most people use judging as such a negative word. I believe if you judge someone that there has to be action. Judging her would have been walking over to the family, slapping them, and mouthing off something rude. You didn't do that. In fact, you…

Hello and welcome to the site! First thing I'd recommend doing is taking some measurements, then setting realistic goals and sticking to them! Remember, if you set impossible goals you'll only get discouraged. Be realistic and optimistic. Slow and steady like the tortoise! Every week that you make progress you'll feel…

Definitely the more you can workout, the better and more efficiently you'll lose weight. However, I assume that most people have other things to do besides workout :). So, the important thing is to judge how much time you can and WILL commit to working out and stick to that. If you get home early from work one day and…

Aunt Flo? This is a new term for me :) Glad I'm a male. I have no idea how to deal with this =P

Well, first to cure your problem, you have to cure your inability to log your calories. It creates a lie to yourself. If you go over your calorie limit, so what??? That just means you have to cut it the next day. Does that mean you have to cut the calories for that day AND the previous day? Definitely NOT!!! Like many have…

Thanks for the correction Helawat. I know that it works for me, whether it is all in my head or have some sort of biochemical basis to it. I appreciate the clarification though (and for supplying a website to back it up). As for Kkmama, with your blood sugar, I definitely don't suggest fasting =). Philip

1) There are no proven results. 2) Nutritional supplements are not regulated by the FDA. 3) Not enough money is spent to study adverse effects. Stay away from it =). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroxycut

Don't get discouraged =). Don't forget that when you work out, you build muscle as well! Especially if you haven't been working out (including walking) in a long time. On top of that, water weight can change rapidly, so feel free to try and jump on the scale again later (maybe in the morning). 1 suggestion I would give is…

Like I said, I'm no doctor, but here's my 2 cents worth :) It sounds to me like it's a lack of cartilage in your knee that's causing the pain. Basically, there's a lack of cushioning every time you step. The pain is coming from the shock of each step. Everything you described makes it sound like nothing serious is going…

You go girl! You know I'm jealous =)

I think it's excellent that you've lost the weight! Keep it up! However, not to discourage but to explain, water weight shifts really easy. It can fluctuate your value anywhere from 2 over or 2 under very quickly. Have you had a lot of coffee today? Have you been drinking too many sodas like me? :) Also, if you're on an…

It's perfectly okay to not eat if you're hungry. Do not worry, your body will let you know when it's starving for energy =). One of the reasons you might not feel hungry is because your body is using your fat to feed itself. That's exactly what you want when you are trying to lose weight :). What you don't want is for your…

Does it hurt when you squeeze the area? Is it warm and red? Can you feel anything swollen and tender behind your knee? What does it feel like? Is it a shooting pain when you extend your knee or a dull aching pain as you extend it? If you sit on a bed, and have someone push your toes toward you, does that make it hurt? The…