"Hey Pete. I'm wondering how much I need to eat before I workout each morning. I usually have a protein smoothie made with orange juice, a whole banana, some frozen fruit and a scoop of whey shortly after waking up. I'd guess each smoothie is around 300-400 calories. Should I be eating more than that? I don't have a whole lot of time to cook anything but want to make sure I'm fully energized for my workouts which last an hour at the most with either weights only or cardio only. I'm in pretty good shape but want to maximize the time I put in the gym. Hope you can help! "


"Hey Peter, I'm gonna be straightforward about this: I'm looking to lose some unwanted fat around my belly area. I've done crunches, sit-ups, all kinds, but I'm just not getting anywhere with this. I don't have access to a gym and going out will be difficult for me. I have dumbells, but I don't think they will be any use to me. Is there something I can do to burn off my extra fat on my stomach area and possibly the mound that has grown above my personal area? Thanks Pete, owe ya one! "


"Dear Pete, I recently turned 29 and over the past 6 months I have gained about 40 lbs, going from 185 to 225. I have always been a pretty big guy, weighing 350 when I graduated from high school and then losing about 175 lbs while attending college. I was in great shape until i was about 26 and then i had two back surgeries. I am not able to do all the exercise I used to do because of my back (i.e., running 8 miles a day and weights 5 days a week). I realize my diet has not been the best either, but I hear different diet plans from different people. I feel like a slob and need to shed this weight. What do I need to do? Thanks, Brett"

06/25/2010

briguy: I'd focus on what Pete's saying. Doesn't matter if there is "no sugar added," because it still probably is loaded with sugar. Stick with the fresh stuff, throw it in a blender, and you're taking in a LOT less sugar. Pete's a smart guy, look at him!

06/25/2010

Magicz: hey pete, i have a question. How can i loose fat if i am 170 lbs. I want to loose a lot but i dont want to exercise a lot. any tips! thanks!

06/22/2010

sean: Uh-oh! I use frozen berries daily for smoothies. I always buy organic and no sugar added, though. How do you find out if they contain preservatives?