ASK KRS
By KRS Edstrom

Dear KRS,
I have been on an exercise program for approximately one month. I haven’t lost any weight even though I haven’t eaten any more than usual. I work out 2-3 times each week. Shouldn’t I have seen some weight loss by now?
Ready to Quit

Dear Ready to Quit,
Don’t quit. You most probably have lost fat but have also gained some muscle. Since muscle really does weigh more than fat, it is not uncommon for people to see the scale stay the same or even go up a bit in the beginning of a workout program. What usually accompanies this, thankfully, is a loss of inches and loser clothing. Consider adding one more aerobic exercise per week. Keep at it and the scale will eventually move downward.  
KRS

Dear KRS,
Why do people get different results no matter how hard they studied, for example:
 I have studied for a math test, computer test, or English test, very hard, more than anyone else in the class. Many students are in the class;  I am 22 years old; others are 16, 18, 27, 30, all of them studied less than me in all these subjects. No one spent the time and effort I did to get a good grade, but all of them got better grades than me.

After one year for instance all of them were able to answer the computer test perfectly without studying for it, but after one year I forgot everything about what I studied and did worse than the first time, and worse than all of them again.

Why do other students have better understanding abilities for some subjects than me, or they are more able to comprehend faster than I am able to, no matter how much time I spend with some subjects. Other students are more able to give results much better than me.

What is the secret of this situation and how can I improve myself? This situation is not once in a lifetime, but I am facing the same situation for years. Please provide me all what you know about this problem.
 Slow Learner

Hi Learner,
Congratulations on wanting to better yourself! Most people don’t take the time or don’t care enough about improving themselves to work on a problem area. Believe me — in seeking such improvement you are above the norm and possess a valued trait in becoming a success.

Yes, people vary in their ability to retain information and speed in learning. For this you might take a short (evening or summer) class in memory, for example. Just as importantly, I would begin giving yourself positive messages, such as “I retain information and am good enough.” 

You probably have been having a lot of negative self-talk, so we want to reverse that and start building your self-esteem so you BELIEVE you can learn and retain. When there is fear and dread around learning, there is less retention, so relax and believe you can retain all you want.

I notice you said other students do better in “some subjects.” My guess is you do just fine in those subjects for which you have an interest. I’m the same way, as are most people. Pursue subjects and a career for which you have an interest. There’s a book called “Do what you Love & The Money Will Follow” (which I’ve never read, but the title says a lot). I say, “Study what you love and the learning will follow.” 
KRS

Dear KRS,
What exactly is the fruit diet? Can you perhaps give it to me?
Thanks a lot.
Searching

Dear Searching,
New fad diets appear every day and they can look quite enticing. One key thing to look for in any eating program is BALANCE. As soon as you see major food groups missing or, worse, only one food on the list, run for the healthy hills. At best, you may lose a few (temporary) pounds with these fanatical diets. At worst, you throw your whole system off balance and get sick. An all-fruit diet is not your answer to happiness (or even a thinner body).

[FOLLOW-UP REPLY FROM “SEARCHING”]
Dear KRS,
Thank you for taking time to write me. I see what you mean about those fad diets. You may lose some weight, but in reality, you’re going to gain it right back. I am now eating healthier and striving for balance. Thanks for your help!
No More Searching

KRS Edstrom, M.S., is an author, lecturer and columnist. She offers private sessions (by phone or in person) and seminars on meditation, stress, pain, weight loss. Her books and audios offer solutions for healthful, conscious living. For free soothing guided meditations and more information, visit www.AskKRS.com. Call (323) 851-8623 or email: KRS@AskKRS.com