Linlee answers:

Cut back on red meat(beef) and the water is good. Try to avoid too much soda because that can help the cause of kidney stones. Eat more whole grain foods as well to better your heart healthy life. I have to say at your age I am very surprised you are already thinking on the healthy side of life. Not alot of teens care about that. Kudos to you

Linlee answers:

Make a beautiful veggie platter with dip. Get four bell peppers, different colors. Fill each with: slice carrots in coins, use fresh snap peas in another, sliced celery, sliced cucumbers. Get a small bowl and make a dill dip. Put all four containers in a pretty lined basket. Scatter fresh cherry tomatoes to fill in the holes. Nothing like a nice looking veggie platter.

Linlee answers:

Eat a healthy balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Also, do a little cardio a few times a week but remember to rest some days. Walk 2 miles every day, be happy, have good friends and family to support you, and reduce as much stress as possible from your life. I suggest to meditate or do yoga to reduce stress, its awsome. But remember that its okay to eat a hamburger every once in a while or to be lazy sometimes, just dont do it all the time! I hope that helps

Linlee answers:

Hope you get this in time!

Can you cut a heart with a sharp knife? Then, take your favorite cut of lean meat, like a fillet of steak, and cut it into a heart shape. Put it on a chopping board and take a sharp, thin-bladed knife and score your heart design, then trim the meat to the shape of a heart.

You can keep the scraps and either use them to make “duxelles” (i.e. Chop or grind them up and add finely minced parsley, garlic, perhaps a little green onion and a finely chopped mushroom) on the side. Set a little of the minced parsley aside for the steaks. Pan fry the duxelle mixture using Pam or similar lo-fat butter substitute, garlic and, if you use it, onions first, then the chopped steak until it is cooked through, add mushrooms until browned, mix well, then finally mix in the parsley and mix again. Duxelles are meant to be moist, so it would be good to add a little splash of red wine (healthy – good for the heart!) and a squirt of fresh lemon juice and reduce until you have kind of a rough “stuffing” type texture.

Meanwhile, season the steak hearts with salt and pepper and grill to taste. Sprinkle a little minced parsley on top to finish.

Another idea, if you like scallops and can get them, or even as a first course on the “heart theme” is to take king scallops and cut them in half horizontally and shape them into hearts. Again, you can conserve the trimmings and my favorite way of using leftover scallop is to mince it and make ceviche (see below).

A great, healthy sauce for scallops is orange and ginger sauce. Peel and mince 1/8 tsp of fresh ginger (if you can’t get fresh, you can use a pinch of powdered ginger) and mix with the juice of 1/4 lemon and the juice of 2 fresh oranges (or you can use 1/4 cup of orange juice). Mince up a sprinkle of finely minced, fresh cilantro (you can substitute with dried cilantro, reducing your quantity). Saute the scallop hearts until they just start to turn color (about 10 seconds each side) in Pam or similar, then add 1/2 glass of dry white wine, juices and ginger and then reduce heat to simmer until the sauce starts to thicken a little. Add cilantro, simmer on low heat for about 2 minutes. The scallops will be “carmelized” into a golden color. If you want the scallop hearts to be pink, then you can add a tablespoon of tomato or red pepper puree in with your liquids (either gives a nice taste).

Another nice thing you can make are “bruschetta” where you cut brown bread into the shape of hearts and fry in Pam with a sprinkle of garlic and dried herbs. You can either use these as the base for hors d’ouvres (I would suggest a little smoked salmon, a tiny dab of creme fraiche or sour cream and a sprig of dill on the top) or you can use them as croutons for soup. Slightly spicy tomato soup, or any soup made from seafood (Manhattan clam chowder, etc) would be nice for today (red!). You could have soup for your first course with the heart croutons, and steak or scallops for your main course if you like. Don’t know how many courses you have planned?

For drinks, well, you have to live a little on Valentine’s Day so you’ll need to have some kind of bubbly cocktail at least. Use dry (brut) California or similar bubbly and just throw a couple of fresh strawberries (with the green bits removed) or raspberries into the glass. This is a classic champagne cocktail – refreshing, romantic and relatively healthy. Have it with your smoked salmon bruschetta!

For dessert – strawberries or raspberries. I like the meringue idea that somebody else suggested but I have never made a really good meringue myself. Strawberries especially, since they are naturally heart-shaped if you cut them lengthwise. I sprinkle with a little lemon juice and dust with a tiny bit of powdered sugar. Also nice with a little drizzle of honey, which is the healthy option.

Ceviche is chopped, raw scallops mixed with finely minced garlic, chili pepper, green onion and fresh cilantro. Mix this up with the juice of 1 lime, let it marinate for between 3 and 24 hours and eat it raw (seriously – the lime juice “cooks” the scallops). Salt and pepper to taste. This is a big hit with my husband as it reminds him of our vacations in Mexico and he’s always on a diet (well, not always, I think you know what I mean!!!).

Sorry for the constant updating, my husband just arrived home with 2 dozen long stem red roses and I had to dig out the vases. He won’t tell me how much he spent, but I guess we’ll REALLY have to diet after today!!!!

Linlee answers:

What ever you were doing before you can continue, except where a fall may hurt the baby, like a tread mill. If you were treadmilling you can alternate to rowing, I did that when I had by last child, it was great. Swimming is the best thing to do though, as your balance will not come into play. The rapid weight gain and recentering of your center of gravity can make things like cycling not a great idea.

Linlee answers:

My husband and I take walks most evenings, and I’ve done a lot of swimming over the summer. Now that swim season is almost over for around here I’ll probably get a prenatal workout DVD.

Linlee answers:

Short? Huh? I am a 4’10″ so you don’t have to worry about a thing – I am can’t even wear heels anymore. Lol.

Anyway, exercise is absolutely safe during pregnancy (unless you have been placed on strict bed-rest, that it), and it is important to keep fit for labour and looking after a newborn.

The important thing is to keep it low-impact and low-balance. Walking, swimming and pregnancy yoga are great. I used to train for triathlons, so cut that down to walking and swimming as soon as I found out I was pregnant. Walking is getting uncomfortable (I am 29 weeks pg with twins and it is getting hot outside!), but swimming is still very comfortable.

I don’t know what your work schedule is like, but maybe you could take your little girl out for walks (or push her in a pram), so that you can chat to her while you exercise? That way, she can get used to exercising with you and will be keen to head out with her new brother or sister too : )

Pregnancy is not the time to embark on a strenuous exercise regime, but it is a good time to ease into regular moderate exercise that you can continue after pregnancy.

Best of luck.

Linlee answers:

NO WEIGHTS st all you can have a miscarriage especialy the very first mnths in ur pregnancy. Ask your doctor what cardio is good to follow while being pregnant. Also walking is a HUGE PLUS while ur pregnant doctor’s actualy recommend it. So walk on the treadmill it should be good keeps u some what fit too and not just lazy and a couch potatoe throughout the whole 9 mnths

Linlee answers:

I find that drinking or injecting a pint or so of my own sperm greatly increases my muscle mass.

Linlee answers:

Hahaha, weight gainer is fine, but why would you want to put fat on? Put muscle on it has a higher mass then fat!

Linlee answers:

Yeah, weight gainers are just a mixture of carbs and fats that you can drink down instead of eating yet another meal.
Male or female, they work the same. Grab something that’s made with “Waxy Maize” carbs, as opposed to Maltodextrin.

Linlee answers:

Im in the same boat as you bro. Cytosport by far makes the best product (by best im combining taste, price, carbs/protein/calories)

Cytosport makes cytogainer and muscle milk. I choose cytogainer, b/c im trying to pack on the lbs. It comes in a ton of different flavors like choc peanut butter, cookies n cream, caramel swirl, choc mint. Pretty much flavors that no other brand makes. And it tastes like a milkshake rather than cardboard. Ive been drinking these shakes for lunch for about 5 years now and this is the best brand. They sell it at GNC.

The only other brand that comes close is Syntha-6 by BSN. But BSN is wicked expensive, and it doesnt have that many calories.

Linlee answers:

SHORT TERM Effects of lack of sleep: Poor concentration; impaired attention span; impaired short term memory.
There are no long term effects unless you have long lasting insomnia (for years).

Good sleep hygiene:
Go to sleep, wake up same time everyday.
Have whole bedtime routine everyday.
Eat small sandwich of whole grain bread with lean protein.
No caffeine after 3 PM
If you can’t fall asleep after 20 min., get out of bed & read something boring, watch TV, knit, (no computer)., when feel tired go back bed, if happens again repeat.
Do Not look at clocks during night.
Do not exercise less than 4 hours before sleep.

If you’re thinking a lot, write things down on piece of paper, leave thoughts on paper.

Try Traditional Medicinals “Nighty Nite” or Celestial Seasons “Sleepytime” teabags.
Valerian Root, Melatonin 3mg.; Chamomile; Hops; Catnip

Practice every night.

Sweet dreams:-)

Linlee answers:

Well you can start by drinking V-8 juice. Doctor it up good with lemon, Worchester Sauce, Tabasco sauce etc to vary the taste.

When you eat beef eat range fed beef or what is commonly called scrub cattle. No fat like feed lot cattle.

Start by eating veggies you can eat cold right out of the fridge like asparagus.

Keep fresh fruit on hand to nibble on instead of junk food. Not only better for you but taste better as well.

Buy canned fruit and put in the fridge so they will be cold when you are ready to eat them.

Almost Last but not least get you a small fridge for your dorm room so you aren’t always running to the convenience store for snacks.
Last get you a small Microwave oven for your dorm room.
The fridge and Microwave will save tons of money in the long run.

Linlee answers:

Excercise is good, not right before bed though. Also, no coffee or stimulants after 12 noon every day. Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning, whether you’ve slept or not. Your body will adjust.
Meditate as you are lying in bed, deep breaths and say something like ‘i love you’ or ‘so, i am’ as you inhale and exhale to relax your mind.
If you start tossing and turning get out of bed and make yourself some warm milk or tea, some small insignificant, relaxing task and then get right back into bed and try again.
Don’t stress about the lack of sleep you might be getting or what the next day will feel like while you’re tired. Just focus on relaxing and drifting off to sleep.
Good luck

Linlee answers:

Talk to your OB/GYN. You SHOULD gain weight during pregnancy and for somebody your size, 40 pounds doesn’t sound excessive. The recommendations (generalized–may depend upon your own starting weight, etc) are usually 3-5 pounds during the first trimester and then 1-2 pounds/week for the second and third trimesters. 40 pounds is within that guideline. So, first, you should talk to your doctor to find out how much you should be gaining for your weight. It might even be more than that.

Second, a lot of times the cravings are there because you’re lacking some nutrient. If you’re craving ice cream, maybe your body is trying to tell you that you need calcium and/or fats. Either eat a small amount or try to get the same types of nutrients from healthier sources. I wouldn’t worry so much about what not to eat (although there is a list of that for pregnant women), but rather eating healthy and trying to give your unborn child all the nutrients that he/she needs. You can also exercise in pregnancy, and for most women, it’s recommended. However, you should talk to your OB/Gyn to find out what the right amount is for you.

Congrats!

Linlee answers:

You dont deserve to be a dad. If you really loved her then you will give her time to lose the weight. If she started out skinny that doesnt mean that she will be fat after she has the baby.

Linlee answers:

If you have an appropriate weight for your height, than you should gain about 25 to 35 pounds during your entire pregnancy. You will gain 1 to 5 pounds during your first trimaster. During the second and third trimaster you will gain1 pound every week.

Linlee answers:

Question #1: Who is Chloe?
Tell “Chloe” that she shouldn’t be too concerned with the weight she gains. I’m not talking about a burger fest at McD’s-just make smart choices about she eats. Eat whole grains; fruits, veggies, protein and calcium to ensure a healthy baby and a healthy mom. The women who walk away from the hospital in prematernity clothes are quite rare. Eat healthy, exercise and don’t worry about the weight.

Linlee answers:

In barrels, bushels, cubic yards, pints, ounces, kilograms, pounds, aaaaall up to metric tons!

Linlee answers:

Talk to your doctor. The doctor may have info on pregnancy groups in your area where you can meet other mom’s. You can cheer them on and they can cheer you on.

There are already great answers here like “focus on healthy foods. Someone told me she tried to remember whatever you put in your mouth is what your baby’s brain will be made of. She said that sure made her think about eating enough lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, veggies, healthy dairy, and to drink enough water.
If you don’t get enough protein, you will crave sugar. Making sure to get enough B vitamins helps you to have more energy.

Find some kind of walking that would interest you. Maybe pair up to walk with a friend to help you stay on track.

Make a plan that you can stick to so you can relax and enjoy your pregnancy!

You sound like someone who is going to be successful at figuring out a plan that works for you!

Take care!

Linlee answers:

If you start out at the right weight for your height then you are supposed to gain 25-35 pounds; if you are underweight then you are expected to gain 35-45 pounds and if you are overweight you are expected to gain 15-25 pounds. These are all rough estimates, everyone is different but you usually will/should gain less weight if you are already overweight, and you will probably not be showing until your 3rd trimester.

Linlee answers:

My prepregnancy weight was 141. The day I went into labor I was 173. Coming out of the hospital 3 days later I was 165. 3 weeks later I was 138 and now my son is 2 months old and I weigh 137 and have stayed there throughout the past month.I think in my case its genetics. And I never followed any calorie rules. I ate like a cow all day long

Linlee answers:

Hello! I don`t agree to weight loss pills. I believe you must lose weight the same way you gained weight.. The best way to lose weight is the healthy way. Just keep your calorie intake under control and things will work out great! I work a lot so I use an online diet and workout planner to count my calories. There`s a good one at http://www.projectweightloss.com/, and it’s free. In case you`re interested in losing weight the “usual” way, that’s a great choice. In my opinion, this is the safest and healthiest way to stay in shape.

Linlee answers:

Percent of body fat is more important, not weight. If weight was more important then most bodybuilders would be considered overweight. Weight loss pills usually dont work and if they do they arent good for the heart and more than likely you will gain all that weight back when off the pills…

Linlee answers:

Weight loss pills don’t work. They just suppress appetite and pack you full of caffeine. The best way to lose weight is through diet & exercise alone, there are no shortcuts.

Linlee answers:

Beware – a lot of the so called weight loss pills just don’t work.
They cost a lot of money and you don’t get your money back.
Most of them state they will assist weight loss as part of a diet and exercise programme.
You can lose weight and tone up without them. It will be so much healthier and long lasting.
If you REALLY need pills then Alli is one that will help rid fat and Hoodia takes the edge off your appetite.
It is a lot cheaper to adjust your diet and exercise though.

Linlee answers:

A normal healthy diet that is good for the body gives the eyes all the nutrients they need to stay healthy also.

The eyes are meant to be used….looking at things with them isn’t going to harm them.

Linlee answers:

Good nutrition, care of your eyes with eye washes, enough rest, low stress and lutein capsules.
Good luck.

Linlee answers:

Fruits and vegetables, adequate but not too much protein, complex carbs. Follow the US or Canada food guide.

No foods or supplements will prevent the need for glasses, it is largely genetic. Excess Vit A can cause serious health problems and for that reason you should avoid Vit A supplements. Generally you will not get too much Vit A from food, except for sea mammal liver — don’t eat polar bear or seal liver! Most cases of Vit A poisoning are due to people taking too many vitamin pills or too much fish liver oils.

Linlee answers:

There are several very simple things that you can do to keep your eyes healthy. First off, if you do have a need for eyeglasses or contact lenses, you should wear them as prescribed by your doctor. For contact lens wearers, do not over wear or sleep in contact lenses. Visit your optometrist or ophthalmologist every year to two years for regular comprehensive vision exams. Second, make sure you are always protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. Whether it be wearing sunglasses, or making sure that you are wearing the proper eye protection in a tanning bed.

Linlee answers:

SHORT TERM Effects of lack of sleep: Poor concentration; impaired attention span; impaired short term memory.
There are no long term effects unless you have long lasting insomnia (for years).

Good sleep hygiene:
Go to sleep, wake up same time everyday.
Have whole bedtime routine everyday.
Eat small sandwich of whole grain bread with lean protein.
No caffeine after 3 PM
If you can’t fall asleep after 20 min., get out of bed & read something boring, watch TV, knit, (no computer)., when feel tired go back bed, if happens again repeat.
Do Not look at clocks during night.
Do not exercise less than 4 hours before sleep.

If you’re thinking a lot, write things down on piece of paper, leave thoughts on paper.

Try Traditional Medicinals “Nighty Nite” or Celestial Seasons “Sleepytime” teabags.
Valerian Root, Melatonin 3mg.; Chamomile; Hops; Catnip

Practice every night.

Sweet dreams:-)

Linlee answers:

Well you can start by drinking V-8 juice. Doctor it up good with lemon, Worchester Sauce, Tabasco sauce etc to vary the taste.

When you eat beef eat range fed beef or what is commonly called scrub cattle. No fat like feed lot cattle.

Start by eating veggies you can eat cold right out of the fridge like asparagus.

Keep fresh fruit on hand to nibble on instead of junk food. Not only better for you but taste better as well.

Buy canned fruit and put in the fridge so they will be cold when you are ready to eat them.

Almost Last but not least get you a small fridge for your dorm room so you aren’t always running to the convenience store for snacks.
Last get you a small Microwave oven for your dorm room.
The fridge and Microwave will save tons of money in the long run.

Linlee answers:

Excercise is good, not right before bed though. Also, no coffee or stimulants after 12 noon every day. Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning, whether you’ve slept or not. Your body will adjust.
Meditate as you are lying in bed, deep breaths and say something like ‘i love you’ or ‘so, i am’ as you inhale and exhale to relax your mind.
If you start tossing and turning get out of bed and make yourself some warm milk or tea, some small insignificant, relaxing task and then get right back into bed and try again.
Don’t stress about the lack of sleep you might be getting or what the next day will feel like while you’re tired. Just focus on relaxing and drifting off to sleep.
Good luck

Linlee answers:

Good digestion = Good absorption of nutrients into your body = good healthy living!

Linlee answers:

U must have what they call sensitive digestion try this out i was the same but fine now after taken this.

Linlee answers:

Low fat Grapefruit Crab Salad High Fiber

lettuce leaves
6 cups mixed salad greens, torn
3 grapefruits, peeled
2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
2 (6 ounce) cans crabmeat, flaked, drained, and cartilage removed
1 small green sweet pepper, sliced into rings
1/4 cup reduced-calorie mayonnaise or salad dressing
1/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt
1 egg, hard-boiled, white part used only, chopped
1 tablespoon catsup
3-5 drops bottled hot pepper sauce

Line 4 individual plates with lettuce leaves; top with torn greens.
Section grapefruit over a bowl to catch juice; set juice aside. Remove seeds from sections.
Arrange grapefruit sections, tomatoes, crabmeat, and pepper rings on top of greens.
For dressing, in a bowl combine 2 tablespoons of the reserved grapefruit juice, the mayonnaise, yogurt, hard-cooked egg white, catsup, and hot pepper sauce. If desired, stir in additional grapefruit juice, 1 teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency.
Top each salad with some of the dressing mixture. Makes 4 main-dish servings.