dear Kimberly,I am 19 years...

Question
dear Kimberly,
I am 19 years old and have recently gone on The Pill which has caused me to gain weight. I have always been unhappy about my body. Its not so much the weight, but the shape. i am very flabby and do exerceise-although not as much as i could do. however, my main problem is....although i am desperately unhappy about my body-now more than i have been before-i cant stop eating. i love my food and have tried many diets but cant seem to cut down. i need to find a diet that i can stick to and do without thinking about it. i was wondering if u can help me?

Answer
First of all BOTH changing your diet and doing some type of exercise is going to be the most effective route!  You need to do both together!!  As far as your diet, don't think of it as a "diet" but as making healthy lifestyle changes!  You don't need to starve yourself!  You just need to make healthy choices and watch how much you eat.  Cut out or way back foods that are high in sugar, high in fat and high in calories like soft drinks, cookies, candy, fast food, baked goods, etc...  Eat more from the food groups daily: lean meats, fruits, veggies, low fat or fat free dairy products and grains (especially whole grains!).  Keep a food diary for awhile to track what you are eating and how much.  Eat till you are comfortable and not stuffed and be sure to eat at least 3 meals a day with some healthy snacks in between.  Drink lots of water each day!  
Think lifestyle change and not "diet".  It has to be permanent and not something you do just to lose weight!  You can check out www.mypyramid.gov to help you learn how to eat healthier!
Kim Tessmer, RD LD
www.Nutrifocus.net

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