A
male
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:Trying to improve my health and get into a healthy eating routine and start jogging to increase my energy levels and improve my libido drastically.Would it be advisable to see a dietician first to get started as I have no idea where to start and what to do?
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (12 October 2010): If you don't know a lot about nutrition, then it would not be a bad idea to see a dietician, even though it is not mandatory. The basic idea is the same, regardless of what road you take: eat less, exercise more. However, a dietician can help you avoid pitfalls, such as eating too many carbs, which can you leave you hungry for more food, stuff like that... or like another person said, you can pick up a book about nutrition... that would be a good investment as well... Either way, dietician or book/internet, it would be advisable to consult one or the other.I can give you some basic tips right off the bat, as I'm somewhat knowledgeable on nutrition:Drink lots of water and especially hot liquids. The body can mistake thirst for hunger. And liquids, especially hot liquids, like teas or buillon broths, can help keep your appetite/hunger at bay until the next scheduled meal of the day.Stay away from refined carbs, like the plague. Not just on a diet, but always. It's as bad for your blood sugar as candy, as far as your body knows. No enriched white flour products, whole grain only. Stay away from junk foods as much as possible. When you eat empty calories your body sugar spikes and falls quickly, and you get hungry again very quickly due to the lack of nutrients, and high sugars. A nutrient-dense wholesome meal will keep you from getting hungry again fast.If you use the frying pan a lot, retire it most of the time. Start putting your meal in the oven... frying is - lets just say - not so good for you :) And that is an understatement. the occasional fried meal is ok, when you get a hankering on a Sunday morning or something, but as a rule stay away from it. On that note, don't try to eliminate anything from your diet. Simply reduce your intake of it, a little or drastically. if you deprive yourself completely, your body and mind, can rebel with reverse psychology and make you want it even more, and then you binge. TRUST ME ON THIS ONE.And as far as exercising, make it something you enjoy or you will not want to stick to it. If you need to watch the TV or listen to music while exercising, do so. I find that when I listen to music I stay on the treadmill much longer, because my body is focused on pleasant music instead of the strain and effort that my body has to work through...
A
female
reader, maverick494  +, writes (12 October 2010):
Yes, DO visit a professional. I know many who try to do it themselves, not knowing at all what they´re doing and they end up setting up very unhealthy lifestyles for themselves. Don´t hop onto the first fad diet either. They´re unhealthy and NOT effective in the long run.
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A
female
reader, Honeypie + ♥, writes (12 October 2010):
 I think it's ALWAYS smart to talk to a dietician/doctor when embarking on a lifestyle change.
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A
female
reader, person12345 +, writes (12 October 2010):
 I'd at least get a book or something about how to eat healthy, and make sure you don't overdo it on the exercise. Be sure to give yourself at least one day off per week, and if you add in muscle building, like weights, sit-ups, etc... Don't do those more often than every other day. You build muscle by tearing the fibers a little and they grow back stronger. If you don't take a day off in between, then you can badly injure yourself and won't see much improvement in muscle tone.
For jogging, read up on interval training (bursts of slow and fast), it's way more effective than just running around, less tiring, and it's just better for you. Also if you work out outside, if you live in or near a big city you should get your running done in the morning for the air quality.
There are a million and a half books on healthy eating, just make sure you're not cutting out too many calories if you plan to exercise a lot. Oh and don't totally deprive yourself, or you're just asking to be lying on the floor at 3 AM with a newly emptied fridge.
Hope this helps!
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A
male
reader, dirtball +, writes (12 October 2010):
 If you're planning to make drastic changes, I would definitely advise talking to a professional or at least reading some material on the subject. Drastic changes to your diet can affect your overall health, sometimes not in the way you had hoped. Drastic changes are often more difficult to sustain as well. Usually it is best to ease yourself in.
Since you said you have no idea where to start or what to do, then consulting a professional is definitely your best bet.
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A
male
reader, doublejack +, writes (12 October 2010):
It is advisable to see a dietitian, but not absolutely necessary. Last spring I made the decision to live a healthier lifestyle. 18 months later, I see huge improvements. I couldn't jog 100 meters without being out of breath before, and now I run 5k daily. I no longer drink coffee or feel I need to as I have plenty of energy all day long. I also lost about 25 pounds of fat and am now quite lean and shapely.I managed all of that without seeking the advice of any doctors or physical trainers. Instead I used the internet as my resource. I educated myself on what constitutes a healthy diet, and I researched a jogging program that takes you from completely out of shape to a 2-mile run in about two months. I also advise joining a gym, as money invested in yourself is money well spent.
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