Nancy Dell: Weights or Cardio for wt loss?; Boost Immunity/Reduce flu

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) -  

1. I want to lose weight and do not have much time to exercise. Should I do cardio or weights?
Annie, Internet

First, let me say that the best exercise is the one you will do. If you hate what you are doing for exercise, chances are you will quit and some exercise is better than none. But if you like both cardio and weights and you want to lose body fat, recent research at Duke University says, do cardio.

The researchers compared people who did aerobic exercise, running, swimming, walking, and so on, with those who did resistance training such as weightlifting and with people who did both kinds of exercise. Those who got up and moved burned the most fat.

The researchers say that resistance training is still good for you but it’s just not very good at burning fat.

But doesn't weight lifting build muscle and there for boost metabolism? Yes, but that extra muscle in this study did not lead to fat loss possibly because you need to eat more to build muscle and you will not lose fat eating more. I have always said to my patients who want to lose weight, who is thinner, a runner or a weight lifter? The runner is. Sometimes the weight lifter can actually be quite high in body fat. 

2. I did not get a flu shot. How can I boost my immunity?
Judy, Internet

Whether you got the flu shot or not, you can reduce your risk of getting the flu with a healthy lifestyle. There are so many things you can do but here are my 6 favorites.

Drink at least 6 to 8 cups of fluids a day. You can drink tea instead of water to get all the healthy components in the tea leaves that boost immunity.

Eat yogurt or take probiotics. These healthy bacteria live in your intestines and help the bad guys from getting into your body.

Mushrooms, garlic, and onions all have anti-viral properties. Spinach and peppers are high in nutrients that boost immunity. So sauté a batch of all these vegetables and toss them into your eggs, your soup, on your chicken, or your pasta and rice.

Sleep 7-9 hours a night. When your body is tired, it doesn’t have the strength to fight off infection.

Exercise on a daily basis can help give your immune system an extra boost.

And of course wash your hands often.