Deirdre from Augusta asks, "I keep as much fat out of my diet as possible but I am still unable to lose weight. How come?"

That is a very good question for the nineties. There is such a "fat awareness" in today's society that we are constantly bombarded with fat free this and that. Often we are lead to believe that if we eliminate fat from our diet that we will be slender and healthy like the models in all the ads. Unfortunately, as many people have experienced, this is simply not true.

Food is broken down into three major categories: protein, carbohydrates and fats. Each of these contains a certain amount of calories. Protein and carbohydrates have four calories per gram and fats have nine calories per gram.

It is the number of calories that you eat that determines whether you gain or lose weight. In other words, if eat 100 calories of fat and 100 calories of carbohydrate, they would basically be equal in the weight control arena.

Therefore, if you eat 3000 calories in carbohydrates and proteins you would still most likely gain weight in the form of fat.

The best way of keep your weight under control is by limiting your total calorie intake. Make sure your choices are made up of the right proportions of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

Moderate exercise is also very important in weight control and good health. Before starting any major diet or exercise program it is important to seek advice from a qualified health care provider.

Thank you for your question Deirdre.

Original publication The Town Line newspaper South China, ME 04358
Information contained herein furnished by Nadeau Chiropractic Wellness Center
2135 N. Belfast Ave, Augusta, ME