Diet & Fitness Expert Archive
DR. MELINA JAMPOLIS
Dr. Melina Jampolis is a San Francisco, California, physician nutrition specialist - a specialty practiced by only about 200 physicians in the United States. She focuses exclusively on nutrition for weight loss and disease prevention and treatment.
Jampolis believes wholeheartedly in the role of nutrition in preventive medicine and achieving optimal health. She teaches a realistic, balanced and manageable lifestyle-based eating and exercise program and has helped thousands of clients improve their health and well-being over the past several years. Her real passion is to bridge the gap between the experts who talk about the latest nutrition and diet research and the "real-life" food and exercise choices that people face daily.
She lectures throughout the country and has written for various publications about nutrition and weight-loss-related topics, discussing strategies for healthy holiday eating, healthy kids' snacks, easy breakfasts on the go and nutrition in the news. She is also the author of "The No-Time-to-Lose Diet: The Busy Person's Guide to Permanent Weight Loss." She hosted a program on the Discovery Network's FitTV titled "FitTV's Diet Doctor," evaluating different diet plans and applying them to real people.
A graduate of Tufts University as well as Tufts School of Medicine, she completed her residency in internal medicine at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, a Stanford University teaching hospital. She is chief medical officer of www.smartnow.com (a health portal for women over 30) and a regular contributor and advisory board member for Heart Healthy Living magazine.
In her free time, Dr. Jampolis enjoys hiking with her dogs, mountain biking, tennis, golf, and Pilates. Visit her Web page: Drmelina.com
I have a question regarding for lack of a better word, "man boobs." I've been trying to get rid of them for quite some time. They've been a problem since I was in high school. The rest of my body was not extremely overweight-- 175 pounds and 6 feet tall.
I have been a vegetarian and long-distance runner for about nine years. I am now wondering if re-introducing meat into my diet will help with recovery after long runs/races and improve my endurance and speed.
What do you think about rotation diets for food addiction and sugar addiction?
How do I put my 11-year-old daughter on a diet? She is 50 pounds overweight, though she looks only about 20 pounds over. She has a lot of muscle. She plays sports year-round. She is a picky, picky eater.
The USDA recommends nine servings of "fruit and vegetables" per day as part of a healthy diet. What am I missing if I get my nine servings by eating only vegetables and no fruits? Are there other things I can eat to specifically make up for the lack of fruits in my diet? I eat an otherwise healthy diet full of lean protein, veggies, legumes, and whole grains, but I am allergic to many fruits.
I've heard a lot about vitamins and supplements passing through the body unabsorbed, especially when in pill form. I've also heard that this can be a more common problem with low-cost and generic versions, even though the ingredient list is identical. My solution lately has been to crush the pill to powder and down it with some milk. Does this solve the problem or is there something inherent in cheaper supplements that inhibits absorption?
Do quick-cooking brown rice and regular brown rice have the same health benefits? Or is the quick-cooking brown rice no better than white?
Recently you had an expert on CNN recommending going to muscle failure during weight training. I do this for my bench presses but do you recommend going to muscle failure on the last rep of the last set for every exercise in one's weight routine?
Can yoga replace strength training? I switched from doing two 40-minute full-body strength training routines to doing two hourlong power yoga classes each week. I'm concerned about losing muscle (and gaining weight). I don't necessarily feel the need to GAIN muscle, but don't want to lose the "toned" look and don't want my metabolism to slow due to muscle loss. I'm in my late 20s.
I know that weight training is crucial to losing weight. What are good home exercises to do that fall under "weight training" when you don't have any weights besides 5/10/15-pound hand weights?
Which fruits are allowed for a diabetic, whose condition is controlled by diet only? No medicines are taken, except Glipizide 5 mg, ½ hour premeal at noon?
I find myself constantly hungry. On a typical day, I eat a small breakfast (one egg plus two strips of bacon, or a bagel, or leftovers from the night before). But I am hungry by 11 a.m. Usually, I can eat a whole Chipotle burrito for lunch and be hungry by the time I go home at 4 p.m. Am I overeating? Today I had a whole 12-inch pizza to myself, regular crust with three toppings! I am a 5-foot-7 dude and I weigh 140 pounds but I don't think I am healthy. Should I eat less? (I don't drink sodas and I avoid things with high sugar/fructose corn syrup content.)
Should middle-age guys who rarely drink milk take a calcium supplement?
I have been working out religiously and eating very healthy for the past six months and have lost about 25 pounds, now down to 170. I am 5 feet 9. However, I am still having a difficult time getting the area around my stomach trimmed down. It is so frustrating to keep losing weight but not see the "spare tire" go away. My question is, what should be my ideal weight, and what suggestions do you have to focus that weight loss on my midsection? My workouts consist of running on the treadmill, various ab exercises and some light to moderate weight training. Thank you.
Is it true if you drink lots of water, it will help you to lose weight? Is it bad for your body if you consume too much of it?
I am a 23-year-old female. My doctor has recommended that I increase the hemoglobin level and increase body mass index. How do I do that without increasing cholesterol and fat level in the body?
I'm a 58-year-old diabetic whose A1C is less than 6. I would like to lose about 25 more pounds. I watch what I eat and walk about 2.5 miles a day but my weight stays around 158. Would having a resting metabolism rate test help with the weight loss?
Hi. Since I can remember (3-4 years old), I have not eaten most fruits and vegetables (bananas, tomatoes and a few others are exceptions). Now that I am over 30 years old, is there any hope to "re-learn" how to eat?
I had gastric bypass six year ago and lost 150 pounds and had kept it off. A year ago, I began a desk job for the first time in my life. I have gradually gained about 35 pounds. I have what some consider an alcohol problem since the weight loss.
What kind of breakfast can I prepare for a 6-year-old who doesn't like cereal, oatmeal or eggs? I want to make sure she gets a healthy breakfast but without the eggs and cereal it is kind of impossible. Thanks
What kinds of exercises are safest to do while pregnant? How much is too much, especially early in the pregnancy vs. later on?
I'm a senior on a fixed income. I can't drive and have only partial use of right arm because of stroke. Now my doctor tells me to get on a low-fat, low-sodium, low-carbohydrate diet. I have about $150 a month to spend on "kitchen" items, including taxi fare, detergent, paper towels, etc. I've done some online searching, but have not come up with an affordable, easy-to-prepare menu. Any help out there?
I have repeatedly heard about the hCG diet, with many claims about tremendous weight loss on a very restrictive diet and the hCG oral drops. I have been skeptical of the results, even though there are many avid fans. Is this a good diet for people needing to lose 20-30 pounds?
My husband, who is 50, learned he had type 2 diabetes in March 2008. He also has hypertension. Are there any healthy alternatives to the processed frozen entrees we find in the grocery stores? I am trying to make him healthy foods but it is difficult.
What is considered a "whole" soy product? I think this is edamame and tofu. But where do soy milk, soy yogurt and soy ice cream fit?
I have heard and read very much about acai berry and still am very skeptical of its effects and the success stories. I would like to know whether you would recommend it to your patients who are interested in weight loss.
Hi. I am being sent away for travel for two weeks. How do I eat healthy, knowing I will be eating out every meal?
As 2010 kicks off, CNNHealth Diet & Fitness expert Dr. Melina Jampolis urges you to think beyond calories and working out and focus on bigger changes that could help you live a healthier life.
They say that wild salmon is best, but what if you can't always get wild salmon? Is it safe to eat farm-raised or do you just not eat it ? I see farm-raised from Canada and always think maybe that's better, but is it?
I need more information on the stretching that girls can do to help prevent injuries. I am a dad who has three athletic daughters; we are working on volleyball right now. How do I get a DVD or something that will help me teach my kids these stretches and jumps to help prevent ACL injuries? I am also 45 years old and have already had my left knee replaced because my ACL was destroyed and my knee degenerated. I know the pain involved in that; I don't want my daughters to have the same problem. Please help. Thank you so much.
I have torn meniscus in each knee and it gives me pain when I exert myself. I have been through physical therapy three times and several doctors. They just keep referring me to physical therapy. It doesn't seem to help. How can I get 30-60 minutes of cardio every day with greatly limited use of my knees?
What are my options for a nutritious breakfast? Cereal doesn't feel healthy any more, and neither does a "bacon, egg and cheese." What should I eat to stay healthy and fit ?
I am a type 2 diabetic. My glucose levels are tightly controlled with diet and exercise (no medication). Otherwise I am in good condition. I would like to run a marathon, but I have questions about appropriate nutritional options. The typical high-carb diet of many runners probably isn't a good option for me. I haven't been able to find any useful info on the Internet. Can you provide any advice or links to helpful sites?
I have breast cancer and have been through surgery (lumpectomy). Most recently, I have had radiation. Now that it's over, I am wondering if I should take a vitamin, and if so, what would be a good vitamin for me?
Instead of answering a viewer question this week, CNNHealth Diet & Fitness expert Dr. Melina Jampolis offers her thoughts on confronting the dietary temptations of the holidays.
I can't do a pushup or pull-up because of rotator cuff and carpal tunnel issues. What kind of exercise moves can I do instead that will get me the same sort of gains? Thanks.
Is phentermine safe to use? What drugs does it have a negative interaction with?
"60 Minutes" had a story several months ago about a type of weight-loss surgery that seemed to also cure type 2 diabetes in many people. Has more research been done on this? Do you need the full bypass of about one-third of the small intestine or just the duodenum and jejunum? My weight problem came about with/after diabetes, not before.
I was wondering if substituting sugar for honey is a healthy trade-off? Are the types of sugar and antioxidants in honey worth the 70 calories per serving, or if I'm trying to lose weight, should I cut out sugar altogether, including honey?
What are some healthy snack choices that college students can store in their dorm room?
You said that one of the few supplements you take is fish oil. With all the buzz about the benefits of antioxidants today -- and the tenet that "too much of anything is not good" -- can you get "too much" antioxidant?
I have seen many weight loss DNA testing kits on the Internet. These tests claim to identify the best weight loss program by analyzing your DNA. Is there any merit to this?
Can you eat an unlimited amount of walnuts, almonds, etc. every day?
Hi, I'm looking to lose 15-20 pounds in the next month to six weeks. Is it really possible to do so just by exercising (dumbbell curls, running on the treadmill) for about two hours every other day along with staying away from fatty foods?
Can eating too much fruit keep me from losing weight? Am I consuming too much sugar?
Because of the complexity of this viewer question, three of CNNHealth's expert doctors are offering their advice. Read insights from Living Well expert Dr. Jennifer Shu here. Check back Tuesday for thoughts from Mental Health expert Dr. Charles Raison.
I've started adding probiotics to my diet and feel tremendously better. Are there any supplements I should not be taking with the probiotics that will kill them: vitamins, garlic, cranberry gels, etc.?
I have a natural extensive amount of muscle mass on all parts of my body plus a broad build, but my height is just 5 feet 4. When I do a BMI calculation having to enter my weight and height, my suggested weight should be around 135 to get a decent reading. I weigh in around 165, and I do need to lose a bit, but not a lot in the belly area. I am 44 years old and was just wondering if the BMI can be adjusted for people with a muscular build with broad shoulders?
I have been hearing a lot about the bitter orange extract (citrus aurantium), which is supposedly used as an appetite suppressant. Would this be a safer alternative to taking regular diet pills?
Hi. I am 21 weeks pregnant, and from start of the pregnancy to date, I have put on 15 pounds. I was high on weight before pregnancy, too, and worried what measures should I take to control my weight gain. Also, what are the risks associated with weight gain?
What advice do you have for an athletic woman trying to lose only 5-10 pounds while maintaining energy to participate in sports and such?
I seem to get very sore after every workout. My fiancé says I'm working out too hard, but I was wondering if there were other reasons. I've been a vegetarian for 13 years and am usually low on protein and iron (and probably a few other things, too). Could low levels of protein and/or iron contribute to why I get so sore after working out?
I saw Dr. Gupta talking about red yeast rice. I want to try it but there are so many different kinds. How do you know which are the best brands with the best ingredients? I know many of the natural supplements put a lot of junk in the product.
I recently learned that my total cholesterol and triglycerides are very high, and my doctor recommended oatmeal, which I do not like. I did find a way to make it palatable, though. It's such a pain to make it every day. My question is this: If I make a large batch of it at once, will it lose its benefits by reheating? And what about instant oatmeal? Are the benefits the same?
How healthy is olive oil for the heart? Does it control cholesterol?
Is it OK to eat the same thing over and over, day after day? As an example - eating grilled chicken, green beans, and rice, whites of eggs, and berries. Are there any significant health risks to such monatany?
I am a single woman who works full time and goes to school part time. How do I prepare nutritious meals when I barely have time to go through an unhealthy drive-thru joint? Any suggestions on what kinds of foods are good for packing in the a.m. and then eating later? I would love to start cooking for myself, but it just seems like such a waste if it's only me that's eating. Thanks!
I've been wondering how many extra calories I should consume to build muscle mass. One program on Fit TV suggested that I should take in between 700 and 1,000 extra calories; another said I should take in only an extra 250 calories. How many extra calories do I need to gain muscle mass?
What is your opinion on vegan diets? Do you find they are better than animal-based fares? What should one watch out for? This is not for weight loss but general health.
I've noticed since going on hormone replacement therapy, my appetite has been greater than before. This has resulted in a 25-pound weight gain. Do you have any suggestions for counteracting the food cravings beyond diet and exercise?
I'm addicted to chocolate! I can go a few days without any, but then I binge big time on it. How do I curb this addiction to the most delicious food ever?
Is no-sugar ice cream really a healthier alternative to regular ice cream? What exactly is the sugar alcohol they use in the no-sugar ice cream?
I am looking for an online tracking tool to use for keeping track of daily calories and exercise. Any suggestions on the most user-friendly sites? I am not really interested in participating in message boards, but thoroughly enjoy reading articles about health issues.
I love baked potatoes but because of the starch, I don't eat them often. Do you have a list of starches to avoid and which are beneficial in the daily diet?
Like many Americans, I began the New Year wanting to kick a bad health habit or two. This year's mission is to not eat any fast food. I don't cook all that often, so I can't cook all that well. I was just going to resort to microwave dinner-type meals. But then I thought, "Are these really any healthier than fast food?" Got any advice on this one? I'm not trying to go on a diet, just trying to eat healthier, and I want to make sure that I'm actually making beneficial decisions. Thanks in advance.
My wife thinks she is fat. I disagree. I would consider her chubby at most. She has self-esteem issues and confidence issues because of her weight. I would like to help her lose weight to make herself feel better, but the only problem is she has arthritis in her wrists and ankles. So is there any type of workout that will help my wife lose weight but not mess with her arthritis in the process? Thank you.
How much vitamin D is recommended for those over 55?
Is it prudent to take beta carotene as a supplement?
No one has been able to answer this question for me. Is it better to exercise hard for a short period of time, or is it better to exercise moderately for a longer period of time? For example, let's say you can exercise hard for 10 minutes before your body makes you stop, but you can exercise moderately for 30 minutes or more. Which is better?
What should we include in our diet to increase HDL and lower LDL and triglycerides?
Does exercise help prediabetes or control blood sugar? How much exercise (time) and what kind of exercise should be done for this purpose.
My 10-year-old daughter struggles with her weight. We have been told by our family doctor that she is "off the charts" on weight. She is currently 4 feet 6 and weighs 105 pounds. We walk 2-3 miles several times per week; I also try and provide healthy meals, etc. We have had her thyroid checked; her blood-work all came back normal. I am curious on how many calories she should have daily to try and guide us on how much she should be eating. Any useful tips would be greatly appreciated.
Is decaffeinated green tea as healthy as regular green tea? Are plums as healthy as prunes? Are fresh cranberries as healthy as dried cranberries? The "buzz" in the media is that green tea, prunes and cranberries are all extremely healthy foods. But, what if the caffeinated green tea keeps you up all night and you're not a fan of dried fruits?
My co-workers and I are small women (5 feet and under) in our 40s and want to make sure we get the correct nutrition. If we followed the guidelines about how many servings of each food group, we'd be well on our way to gaining weight, since they're based on "normal" sized people. Are our nutritional needs different from those who require 2,000 calories a day? Do we cut how many servings or do we cut the size of each serving?
What is the name of the new diet to lower cholesterol that Dr. Sanjay Gupta talked about on "House Call" on CNN?
What are good snacks for diabetics to eat during the day?
I am a healthy 35-year-old woman who has been approximately 25 pounds overweight my entire adult life. I work out at my gym for an hour a day, five or six days a week doing various cardiovascular and weight-bearing exercises. I think I am more fit than I have ever been, but even though I have stepped up my activity level in the past eight years, I haven't lost a single pound. The last time I lost any weight was five years ago when I had to lose weight for my job. I ate about 900 calories a day, worked out two hours a day for a month and lost 7 pounds. I was tired, starving and had a constant headache. I work to monitor my calorie intake but I am literally hungry all day. My blood tests are normal. Is there something wrong with me?
Is it true that when your metabolism slows down (e.g. from exercise, age, etc.), adding calories proportionally will "kick-start" it back to prior fat-burning levels? In my case, my rate slowed from 2,000 to 1,500, and the gym's nutritionist recommended an increase in calories from 1,600 to 1,900. Thank you.
I am trying to eliminate trans fats out of my diet completely, but it is pretty tough with all the products that contain partially hydrogenated oils. If partially hydrogenated oils are not in the label, then the producers mask it with mono- or diglycerides. I am wondering what an acceptable level of consumption is, and the overall effect, and also would like to know if fully hydrogenated oils are bad for you.
I am training for a half-marathon in January 2010. I have lost 50 pounds and still need to lose 50 more. I don't know where to set my calorie allowance to lose weight but still fuel my body for my running schedule. I am running 3 short runs (3-4 miles) and 2 long runs (6-8 miles) per week, at a pace of 11 minutes per mile. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!!
How can poor nutrition and vitamin deficiency affect your health, as far as dementia?
I tend to go through many weight changes especially when I am in school. What is the best way I could maintain or lose weight when I am very stressed and I do not sleep enough due to schoolwork and chores at home and all other activites?
My name is Dr. Melina Jampolis, M.D. and I'm an actual diet doctor.
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