Keeping it Real with Donna Pastore

Q: Hi Donna. Tell us about your fitness background.

A: I am the personal trainer at Lady of America in Northeast Philadelphia. I am also certified in aerobics and Pilates.

Q: How does a person know when diet modification and exercise aren’t enough - that maybe he or she should consider pills for weight loss?

A: Only under extreme circumstances would I recommend someone take pills for weight loss. It should also be under a doctor's care. Remember, there is no magic pill to take the place of proper diet and exercise.

Q: Is there a healthy balance with pills and exercise?

A: I'm a big supporter of supplements. I suggest most adults take a multi-vitamin and an anti-oxidant. Other supplements can be adapted to each individual’s needs. For example, vitamins E, C and calcium.

Q: Is there a specific type of pill you find better? - Herbal, metabolism boosters, fat burners?

A:If you’re going to take supplements, I prefer herbal. Remember, anything you ingest into your body, even natural herbs, will have an effect. Chromium picolinate helps promote fat burning and L- carnitine helps energy. Be careful of anything called ephedra (sida-cordofilia is a naturally occurring ephedra) or ma huang. It can cause your heart to race.

Q: What other natural diet habits would you suggest as alternatives to pills?

A: I think most people should learn to eat six smaller meals instead of three big ones every day, and they should cut their sodium intake (as found in soft drinks) and consume more water. Also, they should cut their consumption of carbohydrates.

Q: What are the warning signs that a supplement may be bad for us?

A: Anyone with high blood pressure or any kind of heart problems shouldn’t take any diet supplements. It can cause the heart rate to increase too rapidly.

Q: Does age or gender factor into any of this?

A: A pregnant woman should only take what her doctor recommends. Children should also never take anything not prescribed by their physicians. Healthy adults should take any pills with care and knowledge.

Q: Do you take any kind of weight pills or diet supplements?

A: I don’t take any diet pills. I feel the best way to a strong, healthy body is with a good diet and consistent exercise. My cardio exercise increases my energy and my weight-lifting increases my metabolism for fat-burning.

Q: What are your thoughts on the public’s use of diet pills weight-loss foods as a whole?

A: Personally, I think that everyone is looking for the easiest way to lose weight. A proper diet and a good exercise program are the best ways to get a beautiful, healthy, strong body, and good habits will last a lifetime.

Q: What is your fitness routine?

A: I like to cross train. I like to run on the treadmill, take step, kick-boxing, or hi-lo classes for my cardio workouts. I weight train with the machines at the gym or free weights. I also enjoy, Pilates which lengthens my muscles as well as increases flexibility and posture. I think it is important to try new things to keep your workouts fresh and your muscles challenged.

— Yvonne Dennis