A reader writes…

I am 300 pounds and I am a paraplegic. I have use of my upper body only. What can I do to lose my weight? I already have changed the way I eat.

-W.J.

To answer such a sensitive question, I asked my friend and former colleague at eDiets.com, Susan Burke March, a certified nutritionist, to share her advice.

Dear W.J.:

When you can’t walk, it surely makes weight loss more challenging. If you’re not expending calories in activity, it makes what you eat much more important. Weight loss doesn’t happen overnight, but it will happen–if you take the challenge to burn calories, even if you can’t walk. You say you have upper-body abilities, so you’re halfway there! I can envisage the New York City Marathon, where I volunteered for a number of years. The wheelchair athletes were truly inspiring–their upper-body strength was phenomenal, and they competed with as much enthusiasm and joy as the runners. I think you need a physical therapist to help you by showing you how to burn calories, even if you can’t walk. There are lots of ways to do it…there are many pieces of equipment you can purchase, and there are wheel-chair exercises for you to do–daily–to burn calories.

So, that’s your mission–to seek out and find the resources that will teach you to incorporate upper-body exercise into your daily routine–and that means daily. Burning calories daily, using upper-body movement will improve your circulation, strengthen your muscles, including your heart muscle, will improve your mood and sleep, and will allow you to move that scale and balance your life. I Googled “exercise equipment for paraplegics” and found this link: http://www.blvd.com/Exercise_Equipment/Accessories/.

If you’ve changed your diet–I applaud you…that is a great first step. Take this second step, and stay on the path toward improved health. Good Luck!

-Susan Burke March M.S., R.D., L.D., CDE
Author of the upcoming book, Naturally Thin — How a Dietitian Went From Overweight to in Control

The stocking were hung by the chimney with care- and there pies, brownies, hams, candied this and that everywhere.

Now that the stockings are packed up again, boxes full of unwanted wrapping paper are stacked by the door and your in-laws have finally went on their merry way- you’re starting to ponder the upcoming new year.

If you’re like most Americans, your new years resolution will center somewhere around your waistline. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that. Lose Weight, Eat Right and Get Fit are all listed in the top 10 resolutions according to the U.S. government. You can set yourself up for success by following these simple guidelines for your new years resolution.

Not sure which weight loss program is best for you? Step over here to read more than 220 reviews about the most popular and the more obscure programs. Diets In Review has provided you with detailed information about meal plans, exercise, expense and more. Do your homework first. Diets In Review wishes you a Happy New Year and the best of luck reaching your goal.

I’ve got the fever folks! We are one week away from the premier of Biggest Loser Season 5. This is the season where couples are competing for the first time. We’re pretty excited over here at Diets In Review as we’re going to be visiting with one of the couples, Neill and Amanda Harmer from Oklahoma City. They are the white team and going into this with a great attitude and fun sense of humor.

You’ll be able to see that interview right here in the Diets In Review Diet Column before the Jan. 1 premiere. We wanted to give you a chance to ask the Harmers a question, too. Leave your burning questions in the comment section below.

Bookmark this column throughout the season, as we’ll post weekly updates about Biggest Loser, the Harmers and the progress of all the contestants.

Ladies (and their gents)… if you’re looking for an extra edge in getting pregnant, your diet can help. And no, this isn’t from some quack. Prominent Harvard Medical School researchers suggest in a new book that it can improve your chances. Among the culinary steps to take – cut down on meat. Boo, I know. But, ice cream helps!

Exercise has many benefits. And, they’re probably further reaching than you realize. Take this article, for instance. Even mild exercise like walking can possibly save you from developing dementia in your old age. Just move, baby!