Q: After strenuous exercise, is it necessary to eat a large meal to replenish the energy needed for metabolism?
A: Don't assume you can eat a large meal without restraint after exercising. Consume a smoothie rich in protein and carbohydrates as soon as possible after exercise, and wait an hour before eating anything else. This will replenish the nutrients your muscles need after exercise. A heightened metabolism after exercise will accelerate the burning of excess calories.
Q: What is the simplest way to control appetite?
A: Chewing sugar-free gum. British researchers conducted an experiment with two groups: one group chewed sugar-free gum for 15 minutes every hour, while the other group did not. The results showed that those who chewed gum consumed an average of 36 fewer calories during their afternoon tea three hours later. Chewing gum while cooking can also help break the habit of constantly tasting food while preparing it.
Q: I see many fat-burning products in stores. Will taking these really help me lose weight?
A: Different products have different formulas, but the main principle is to accelerate the nervous system and promote fat burning in a short period of time. It's not that it's bad, but it's certainly not suitable for everyone, and some formulas don't offer any safety guarantees. More importantly, its effect is minimal, so it's best to save your money. Many are quite expensive.
Q: If I can't drink soda, what other beverages besides water are safe to drink?
A: This question is too simple. Green tea is an excellent beverage, but it's important to note that it contains stimulants that can have an energizing effect. A recent study found that drinking one cup of green tea a day can reduce the risk of cancer by half. It's best to drink two or three cups a day, or even five cups a day is fine. According to an American medical journal, drinking green tea in this way can also reduce the incidence of heart disease by 22%.
Q: I hope to lose ten pounds before my graduation party. How can I control my carbohydrate intake to maximize my weight loss success?
A: Eat more starchy foods in the morning and more water-rich carbohydrates during the rest of the day. This is because insulin is most active in the morning, and its activity decreases as the day progresses. Therefore, white rice eaten at dinner is harder to digest than rice eaten at lunch.
Q: I know which carbohydrates I should avoid: white bread, soda, white rice, and other refined grains. Could you recommend some other healthy carbohydrate foods?
A: Potatoes are my favorite. Actually, I could make a list: black rice, oats, and whole-wheat foods like corn and brown rice. Eat more fruit for breakfast, and more vegetables for lunch and dinner.
Q: I enjoy a glass or two of wine in the evening; it helps me relax after a long day at work. However, I've heard that alcohol contains calories. Should I give it up?
A: As long as you drink in moderation, this habit can be maintained, especially with red wine, which is even more beneficial. Alcohol contains very little carbohydrates, and drinking a little before bed is particularly beneficial, even improving sleep. Scientists also say that drinking red wine can reduce the incidence of heart disease and other obesity-related illnesses.
Q: I've heard that eating eggs is good for you, but you have to remove the yolk because it contains cholesterol. Is that true?
A: Eggs are a very healthy food, and the yolk is also beneficial. In fact, a recent study from an American university found that eating more eggs does not increase the concentration of harmful cholesterol in the body. Another experiment also found that eating eggs for breakfast can supplement protein, which is more beneficial than eating more carbohydrates for breakfast, because eating eggs reduces the amount of food consumed throughout the day.
