Q: Hi Mike! I just found your site today. I started a nutrition (I don't like the word diet) and exercise routine dec. 1. I have been monitoring my food intake and try to maintian 1200 cal, 100 gm carbs, 100 grms protien and 25 grms of fat. I generally do weight training with a trainer 2x a week and once on my own. I do cardio for 45-60 min 4-5 times a week. My concern is that to date I have only lost 7 pounds. I am 5' 2" and 161 lbs. I would have expected a greater weight loss with the regimine I've been following. I understand that it may be slower due to muscle gain, but still feel it is too slow. Am I just being impatient??? Thanks!!!!!!

A: I think you already started your blog here and from there it looks like you are doing just great with weight loss. Yes, it may seem a little slow, especially if you compare against 'lose 20 pounds in 10 weeks' tabloid headlines, but this slow steady weight loss is going to get you a lot further than a crash diet will. And, more importantly, you will be easily able to maintain the new low weight, while as a crash diet is almost guaranteed to result in all the weight coming back because of depressed metabolism. So you are doing great, just stick with the program and stay patient.