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Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"

Case study ( 18253 views as of December 21, 2024 )

Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom to an 18 month old girl. Alicia has booked a session with a Registered Dietitian in the hope of finding solutions to her weight loss struggles. She currently weighs 200lbs is 5”8 and has a BMI of 30.7. She describes herself as always being on the heavy side.

Before her wedding 2 years ago she had a lot of success with the popular weight watchers program. She liked the recipes and found counting points fairly easy to do. She was able to lose 30lbs and kept it off until she got pregnant. She admits that when she was pregnant she “ate for two” and found she gained weight quickly throughout the pregnancy. After her daughter was born she found she’d gained back all the previously lost weight plus an additional 10 pounds.

Alicia has attempted to use the weight watchers program again but with a toddler and husband who are both “picky” eaters, she has found it most challenging. She also feels a lack of support in her weight loss efforts as her husband “doesn’t understand” why she needs to lose weight.

Alicia knows that her excess weight can have significant impacts on her health and her anxiety level around this is starting to climb. She has had many sleepless nights thinking about weight loss and her health. She is incredibly afraid of falling ill and not being able to care for her daughter.

After analyzing Alicia’s diet the dietitian is able to give her some quick tips to get started. Small dietary changes that will have big impacts. The Dietitian has also suggested booking a family session with her husband to help them find middle ground that will support Alicia’s goals.

Alicia could benefit from seeing a life coach and/or a psychologist. She may also find it helpful to see a personal trainer in order to fit in some kind of exercise regime along with her dietary changes.

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Conversation based on: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"

Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"

  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 01 January 2024
    Healthy diet: Your diet plays a crucial role in achieving a lean midsection. Focus on consuming a balanced diet that includes lean protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Limit your intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and drinks high in calories. Caloric deficit: To reduce overall body fat, including the fat covering your abdominal muscles, you need to create a caloric deficit. This means consuming fewer calories than your body needs, leading it to burn stored fat for energy. Combining a healthy diet with regular exercise can help create this deficit. Cardiovascular exercise: Engaging in regular cardio exercises can help burn calories and reduce body fat. Activities like running, cycling, swimming, or HIIT (high-intensity interval training) can be effective for burning excess fat, including in the abdominal region. Strength training: Building muscle mass helps increase your metabolic rate, making it easier to burn calories and reduce body fat. Include strength training exercises that target the abdominal muscles, such as planks, crunches, Russian twists, leg raises, and bicycle crunches. Core exercises: In addition to traditional sit-ups, incorporate a variety of core exercises to engage all the muscles in your midsection. This includes exercises like plank variations, mountain climbers, side planks, wood chops, and Pilates exercises like the hundred or the teaser. Consistency and progression: Consistency is key when working towards any fitness goal. Aim for regular exercise sessions that incorporate both cardiovascular and strength training exercises. Gradually increase the intensity and difficulty of your workouts to keep challenging your muscles. Posture and alignment: Pay attention to your posture and alignment throughout the day, not just during exercise. Maintaining proper posture can help engage your core muscles and promote better alignment of the spine, which contributes to a flatter appearance. Remember, it's important to approach fitness goals with patience and realistic expectations. Achieving visible abdominal muscles takes time and effort, and individual results may vary. Consulting with a fitness professional or personal trainer can provide personalized guidance and ensure you're performing exercises correctly.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 28 April 2023
    The good news is that even a vegetable that is relatively low in nutrients still has a decent amount to offer nutritionally. Cucumbers contain between 2-4% per 100 gram serving of several nutrients of interest including fibre, zinc, calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium. Often seeing a local family physician or a physiotherapist in conjunction with a registered dietitian and athletic therapist is a great option to take control of this condition. and exercise is also optimal for overall health.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
    • Dr. John Wade MD, FRCPC
      Dr. John Wade MD, FRCPC Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC 17 December 2023 Artus Health Centre
      It's important for individuals to be aware of their vitamin D levels, especially in regions with limited sunlight, and to consult with healthcare providers for personalized recommendations. The optimal approach may vary based on factors such as age, health status, and geographical location.
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 13 April 2022
    When blood glucose levels get too high, it can lead to complications such as hyperglycemia, heart, nerve and kidney damage.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
    • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
      Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 26 March 2024
      For the most health benefits, consider opting for organic blueberries. They are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can be better for your body and the environmen

  • This comment has been removed.

    • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
      Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 13 April 2022
      You want to eat a diet that’s low in fat and calories and rich in nutrients, including vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Your body can better use the insulin it produces or gets through a medication when you eat three meals a day at regular times.
  • Dr. Ronald Goldenberg MD, FRCPC, FACE
    Dr. Ronald Goldenberg MD, FRCPC, FACE Endocrinologist, Thornhill, ON 09 December 2019
    The unit of measurement to describe weight in relation to height for people 20 to 65 years of age. It is calculated by taking a person’s weight (in kilograms) and dividing by their height squared (kg/m2). It is used to classify people as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
    • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
      Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 26 March 2024
      You have provided an in-depth exploration of the various health benefits of blueberries, emphasizing their rich antioxidant content and their potential to improve cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, aid in digestion, and even protect against certain types of cancer. You've effectively highlighted the roles of specific vitamins found in blueberries, such as vitamin C and vitamin K, in supporting cardiovascular function and overall health.
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 06 December 2019
    An abnormal increase in the proportion of fat cells. Obesity is often be accompanied by other health problems and is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 07 June 2019
    In fact, incorporating more high-intensity activity into our daily routines—whether that’s by vacuuming the carpet with vigor or walking uphill to buy your lunch—could be the key to helping all of us get some high quality exercise each day. And that includes people who are overweight and unfit.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 07 June 2019
    Have you recently carried heavy shopping bags up a few flights of stairs? Or run the last 100 meters to the station to catch your train? If you have, you may have unknowingly been doing a style of exercise called high-intensity incidental physical activity.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
  • Dr. Richard Bebb MD, ABIM, FRCPC
    Dr. Richard Bebb MD, ABIM, FRCPC Endocrinologist, Victoria, BC 14 May 2019
    Stretching: Slow lengthening of the muscles. Stretching the arms and legs before and after exercising helps prepare the muscles for activity and helps prevent injury and muscle strain. Regular stretching also increases your range of motion and flexibility.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
    • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
      Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 13 April 2022
      Choose healthy carbohydrates, heart-healthy fish, healthy fats that contain monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats and fiber-rich foods.
    • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
      Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 13 April 2022
      Choose healthy carbohydrates, heart-healthy fish, healthy fats that contain monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats and fiber-rich foods.
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 25 April 2019
    weight loss is a chalange to everyone. They key is to keep thinking about food and exercise choises to keep feeling you are making progress and the right choises.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 09 January 2019
    Sleep apnea treatment options include weight loss, a CPAP machine, a dental device and surgery.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 03 December 2018
    Its never easy to stay consistent with eating in the holiday season
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 19 June 2018
    Visceral fat is fat that collects around the abdomen-giving a beach ball look in some cases and is associated with a host of medical problems including heart disease, diabetes, heartburn and sleep difficulties.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
  • Chantal Sayers
    Chantal Sayers Vancouver, BC 23 August 2017
    Diet is not the only component to weight loss, although it is very important. Regular exercise is also key to getting your metabolism going. This mother could benefit from exercise not only to help her with weight loss but it would also help reduce her stress levels.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
    • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
      Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 13 April 2022
      When you’re on a diabetes diet, there are some foods to avoid, as they increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. These include trans fats, high-sodium foods, high-cholesterol foods and saturated fats.
  • Chantal Sayers
    Chantal Sayers Vancouver, BC 23 August 2017
    Diet is not the only component to weight loss, although it is very important. Regular exercise is also key to getting your metabolism going. This mother could benefit from exercise not only to help her with weight loss but it would also help reduce her stress levels.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 16 December 2016
    Do you eat any other vegetables for nutrients.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
  • Anthony
    Anthony 16 December 2016
    I find sticking to chicken, salmon and occasional beef, along with uncooked veggies and fruit, will kick your weight loss into high gear quickly. Getting enough protein is the key, whether through meats or protein supplements.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 09 September 2016
    I think one of the biggest problems with eating challenges is that they use food to replace an emotion they are not getting in another way. At the core of food is that it is something to fuel our bodies to operate at full capacity. Like gas for the car it's that simple a majority of the time.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
    • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
      Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 24 November 2016
      Its important to n make time for regular physical activity: "I don't have enough time" is a common reason that people use for not having daily activities. Remember its important to think about time management as the key to incorporating exercise into your daily routine. Try to schedule 15-30 minutes per day for some form of cardiovascular exercise and at least 10 minutes of strength work .
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 09 September 2016
    Cooking should be like sleeping or walking or talking. Just a normal part of everyday life with no real expectations of needing to.chamge your day.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 09 September 2016
    In regard to Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions its always important to think about exercise and diet to control your weight loss goals.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
  • K. Michael
    K. Michael 13 December 2015
    One of the things that I found helpful in my weight loss journey was to stop treating cooking as "hard". you can follow weight loss plans like weight watchers while still dealing with your picky eaters - it's all in getting the prep work done at once
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 07 April 2016
      There are lots of challenges to a program like Weight Watchers though. Sometimes a girl just needs a cookie.
    • Michelle Kaarto, BScK, CSEP CEP
      Michelle Kaarto, BScK, CSEP CEP 16 December 2015
      @K.Michael - I have found that as soon as you 'forbid' yourself from eating any type of food, it becomes almost impossible to stay away from it! I think cookies and other types of sweets and higher fat foods can still have a place in your eating plan if you are trying to lose weight, as long as moderation is practiced. A program like Weight Watchers is interesting because it assigns lower point values to the foods that are packed with fibre and protein, and gives the higher carb and fat foods a higher point value. When you are watching points, you definitely want the 'most bang for your points' so reaching for the fruits and vegetables and lean protein becomes habitual for those who succeed on the program.
  • Lisa Cantkier BA, BEd, CHN
    Lisa Cantkier BA, BEd, CHN Holistic Nutritional Consultant, Toronto, ON 06 October 2015
    @KMichael -- A description of a holistic nutritionist's job is explained here: http://bit.ly/1GEG8Yk I hope that helps.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 07 November 2015
      That's very interesting. A holistic approach would involve eating whole foods as a method of weight loss and bringing your body in to balance ?
  • Lisa Cantkier BA, BEd, CHN
    Lisa Cantkier BA, BEd, CHN Holistic Nutritional Consultant, Toronto, ON 22 September 2015
    Thank you for your comment, @HealthyMama: "It's a shame holistic nutritionists aren't covered by all health plans. They are a wonderful source of information for weight loss and healthy living!" We need to advocate for the regulation of holistic nutritionists so that health plans will provide coverage for their invaluable services.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 06 October 2015
      @Lisa Cantkier - how is a holistic nutritionists different from a regular one ? What can they do to assist with my weight loss challenges ?
  • Dr. Richard Bebb MD, ABIM, FRCPC
    Dr. Richard Bebb MD, ABIM, FRCPC Endocrinologist, Victoria, BC 05 June 2015
    Certainly if you are diabetic you will have issues with weight loss and need to be careful around dieting. All the issues around blood sugar levels offer weight loss changes and solutions need to be found.
    Reply to: Weight Loss Challenges and Solutions - " Alicia is a 34-year-old new mom"
    • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
      Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 13 April 2022
      There are a few different approaches to diabetes diets. You can work with a dietitian or nutritionist who can help you decide between using the glycemic method, carbohydrate counting, a 7-step meal planning process called the plate method or the exchange lists method.
    • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
      Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 24 November 2016
      I think its very important to consider what Dr Bebb is saying in relation to weight gain and weight loss in relation to diabetes.
    • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
      Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 06 October 2015
      Your personal trainer should work with both your doctor and your nutritionist to formulate a good healthy plan for weight loss.
    • Healthymama
      Healthymama 22 September 2015
      I think a dietician that specializes in diabetes would be the best solution here.
    • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
      Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 24 June 2015
      DR Bebb makes a good point about having to watch insulin levels and sugar in take as you try to loos weight. Seeing a nutritionist is the way to go here for getting the right advise.

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