Let's Ask Violet

Anonymous asked:

I have to ask something to Violet. I’m a little overweight, and it’s starting to bug me. I usually dress in layers, so it’s hard to tell under my flannel shirt and jacket, but I’d rather fix the problem not cover it up. I wish I knew what to do. It’s not like I don’t exercise. I do, whenever I have to do some amazing stunt work in some costumes (long story), but that’s not enough. Do you know any exercise tips I can try out?

Violet replied:

Well, there’s always the “eat right and exercise” bit that everyone tells you, but I think you meant specifics.

I don’t really know your diet that well.  Do you have any allergies or low tolerances to food?  If you’re one of those people who eat dairy even though they’re lactose intolerant, not eating dairy products actually makes you lose weight easier.  Actually, not eating as much dairy might help anyone, regardless if they’re lactose intolerant…Cheese, cream, and whole milk tend to make the intestines work slower and cause bloating. Yogurt is ok though because it has bacteria that helps digest food.

Eat more fiber to help flush out your system.  A lot of what you eat sticks around in your stomach for a long period of time, especially if it isn’t digested properly.  Eating fruit and vegetables helps, especially things like celery, since it’s got fiber.

Avoid eating only carbs for a meal.  If you eat only toast for breakfast, that might not be the best idea since carbs are for quick energy, but if that’s all you’re eating then you don’t move, your body will store that in fat cells.  It’s best if you balance out some of your meals.

Cooking from home instead of eating out helps too.  If you’re going to a restaurant you’re at the mercy of the cook and you sometimes don’t know what you’re eating, aka McDonalds.  When you cook for yourself you know how much you’re getting, and you can control how much of it.

Avoid eating sugar.  Yes, I know it’s hard, I love sugar too, but eating less sweets does help you lose weight.  Doesn’t mean you can’t eat it at all, just cut down on your sugar intake.

Doing stunt-work might not be the best form of exercise.  My personal way of exercising is that I walk everywhere.  I know, that’s not the greatest, but going out for a walk every day does help, like a good hour long walk.  It doesn’t build muscle, but it does help burn some of the fat away, even if it’s only a little.  Actually, a guy from Rooster Teeth would walk on a treadmill and play video games at the same time.  It took him longer than if he was just running on a treadmill, but eventually he lost weight.  It just takes a while for your body to get used to working off the fat, but it eventually does help keep pounds off.

If you want to do something more, then going to the gym to run on some treadmills, or getting one of those home exercising videos does help, just pace yourself and don’t do something that might hurt you too much (work out pain is different from breaking a bone pain, work out pain is fine).

If you’re looking to build muscle-mass, then I’m unfortunately not the person to talk to.  I have no experience of building muscle-mass.  I would have to ask a friend of mine if you wanted that.

In the end, losing weight just takes a little time and patience.  Keep an mind on what you eat and balance that with something that keeps your body moving, even if it’s just for an hour a day.  Just keep at it and don’t lose hope.  Eventually you’ll find something that works for you.

 

Have a question for Violet?  Go to eyesofviolet13.tumblr.com and ask your question!