weight loss

Dear Doctor:

I am concerned about my weight since it keeps going up.
I have been told it would be benefical to lose some weight.

#1  How many calories should I be eating a day in order to lose weight?
#2. What should be my goal weight?
#3. What kind of daily nutrition should I be aiming for?

[Renee Radenberg]

You are at your idea weight for the height you have written. You do not have to lose weight. For your age, you need 2000 calories per day. Suggest eating a Heart Healthy diet which is a moderate fat diet and a moderate fat diet means = using polyunsaturated (omega 3, corn oil, nuts, etc) fats and monounsaturated (olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, etc) fats, no saturated fats (high fat snack foods, butter, fat spreads) and no trans fats. Eat low fat meats (chicken, fish, loin of pork) or non-meat sources (soy products, nuts), low fat vegetarian combinations (rice & beans, pasta & beans, low fat cheese & pasta), low fat and substitute dairy products (1% milk, low fat/fat free yogurts, low fat soy milk/soy yogurt), use plant oils, non trans-fat margarines, and eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Eat daily high fiber breads and cereals (oatmeal). Thank you for your question.