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Lose That Gut

Some call it a beer belly, others sarcastically point and ask, “when is the baby due?” It usually happens around 30 years of age, and beer usually has little to do with it. So many things contribute to a big gut, but the worst offenders are exercising less, while eating more. Aside from looking great on the beach, losing your belly fat can also decrease your risk of developing heart disease.

These five tips can help you trim your trunk.

1. Cut the fat in your diet. It’s loaded with extra calories, especially saturated and trans fats.
2. Increase the amount of water you drink. It is needed for every body function.
3. Watch your portion sizes. This is the best way to cut calories.
4. Increase exercise. Cardio is best, but any exercise will help work off that gut. Tip: never over do it, it’s important to work up slowly.
5. Eat little meals throughout the day to curb your appetite.

Yo Mommy

It’s about time! Introducing YoMommy™—Stonyfield Farm’s certified organic yogurt for mothers-to-be. Free of antibiotics, synthetic growth hormones, or artificial sweeteners. Fortified with folic acid, vitamin D, and DHA recommended by most physicians as essential for pregnant women and their babies—YoMommy includes six live active probiotic cultures, helpful for digestion and immune function. Available in strawberry, peach, blueberry, and raspberry.

The doctor told my husband that his PSA is high. What does that mean and what should he do?

PSA levels are taken to identify prostate problems early, and they can be elevated for many reasons; an enlarged prostate (common in older men), an infection or inflammation, or a possible indicator of prostate cancer. Most men prefer to avoid dealing with these issues, but taking care of them could help prevent serious problems. See an urologist right away and follow up as suggested. Take needed tests, and medications as prescribed. Remember that identifying prostate problems early is important for successful treatments. Make healthy changes by starting an exercise program and upping your intake of water, fruits, veggies, beans and whole grains. There are also many men’s prostate vitamins that may be beneficial (check with your doctor first before using). And no “Fred Flintstone” sized portions of meat! High protein/high fat diets may increase risk for prostate cancer.

Marlisa Brown MS RD CDE CDN is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, chef, author and President of Total Wellness in Bay Shore. Send your questions for Marlisa Brown to Wellness Magazine, Island Publications, 235 Pinelawn Rd., Melville, NY 11747.

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