8 B
SIUSLAW NEWS |
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2016
TO YOUR
GOOD HEALTH
Is Counting
Calories
‘Old-School’ Dieting?
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a
68-year-old man, 5-feet-10-inches
tall and weighing 223 pounds. Last
January, my weight was up to 247,
so I decided to diet and exercise in
order to lose the excess. My goal is
to get below 200.
In a recent visit to my physician,
I told him that I was losing weight
by restricting my total calories to
1,700 per day on a seven-day run-
ning average (so I can go out to
eat once in a while). I am trying
to keep my fats below 30 percent
on a seven-day calorie basis, and I
am trying to keep total carbs to 50
percent or so.
My physician told me that my
diet plan was “old-school.” He said
that I should eliminate all sugars
and all grains. I should eat a couple
of ounces of meat and/or eggs. And
SALOME’S STARS
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Some
changes might seem confusing at fi rst,
especially to an Aries whose impa-
tience levels are pretty shaky this week.
Take it one step at a time, Lamb, and
soon all will be made clear.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) That
diffi cult situation you’ve been dealing
with continues to call for careful han-
dling. Avoid quickly made choices that
might not stand up when they’re fi nally
put to the test.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You
still have lots of evaluating to do before
you can consider making a commit-
ment. It’s better to move cautiously
than to risk stumbling into a major
misunderstanding.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A
previously peevish partner offers to be
I should eat as many fruits and veg-
etables as I want without worrying
about calories.
In your opinion, should I follow
his advice, or should I continue
with what has been working for
me? -- J.B.
ANSWER: Your physician is
right that counting calories is “old-
school.” However, if you can stay
with it, it will work. If you expend
more calories than you take in, you
will lose weight. That is the energy
balance equation, and there are no
exceptions.
However, the issue isn’t so
straightforward as you might think
from that statement. Fat and protein
make almost everybody feel more
full and satisfi ed, comparing meals
of the same calories, than a high-
carbohydrate meal. Plain, fresh
fruits and vegetables, absent of dips
or sauces that load on the calories,
are low in calories, in most cases,
and can be eaten in relatively large
amounts without slowing weight
loss much.
I also agree with your physician
that simple sugars and processed
grains add calories without a lot of
real nutrition and don’t fi ll you up
much (and may even make you hun-
grier later). I don’t think all grains
need to be avoided: The fi ber pres-
ent in whole grains also improves
satiety, and I recommend that all
grains be whole grains. However,
some people fi nd that eliminating
grain entirely helps them.
By all means, you can stick with
what works for you. That being
said, most people fi nd that by add-
ing a little healthy protein and fat,
you can stick with your eating plan
with less hunger or discomfort.
Losing weight can make people feel
a little uncomfortable. But I think
you will fi nd that the eating plan he
outlined, while still keeping an eye
on calories, will allow you to reach
your weight goals and keep you on
track while still feeling well.
DEAR DR. ROACH: Can you
place plastics in the dishwasher? I
have read that dangerous chemicals
can be released from the plastic.
-- R.E.
ANSWER: Most plastics are
safe, but you should put only plas-
tics labeled “dishwasher safe” in the
dishwasher, and placing on the top
rack reduces the heat the plastic is
subjected to. Never reuse any plas-
tic that has been partially melted by
dishwasher or microwave.
more helpful with your problems. But
remember: The fi nal choice is yours.
Be guided by what you feel is the right
thing to do.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) As the
Big Cat, you sometimes can be pretty
rough on those you suspect of betrayal.
The best advice is to pull in those claws
and listen to the explanation. It might
surprise you.
VIRGO (August 23 to September
22) Your inner voice usually guides
you well. But a note of caution: This
is a period of mixed signals for you, so
be careful that you don’t misunderstand
the messages you’re getting.
LIBRA (September 23 to October
22) Cupid’s call beckons both single
Librans looking for a new love, as well
as couples hoping to strengthen their
relationships. A workplace problem is
quickly resolved.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November
21) It’s been a hectic time for you,
and you might want to take a break to
restore both body and soul. You’ll then
be set to face new challenges later this
month.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to
December 21) It’s a good idea to take
a more conservative approach to your
fi nancial situation right now. Some
plans made earlier this year might need
readjusting.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to
January 19) This is a fi ne time to move
boldly into those new opportunities
I promised would open up for you.
Check them over, and then choose the
best one for you.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to
February 18) Congratulations. Your
self-assurance is growing stronger, and
you should now feel more confi dent
about making that long-deferred deci-
sion about a possible commitment.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20)
You’re very close to reaching your
goal. But be wary of distractions that
can lure you off-course and leave you
stranded far away from where you
really want to be.
Siuslaw N ews
!
AD IT DAY
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TO
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