There are usually a number of reasons for gaining weight and women have a much harder time of it than men do since they are designed to store fat and to have curvy bodies. Blaming yourself for being overweight is unfair to yourself.

Putting on weight can be due to many reasons — hereditary, metabolism, childhood eating habits, clinical eating disorders, steroids, medical conditions, hormones and lifestyle changes.

Sedentary jobs contribute to the problem and we are more prone to put on weight with age.

Overeating, leading to weight gain can also be caused by boredom, lack of control of one’s life, lack of affection, depression or anger. There are also social pressures that lead us to eat more.

Usually, after gaining weight there is a period of denial followed by a defining moment when you realize that the situation is not good, and that you must do something about it. But is it your fault, being overweight? What is your fault is if you realize the need to do something about your weight gain and do not take steps to make changes.

Decide today to make one positive step each week toward good health. Start today with my weekly task.

Join Me in My Weekly Task

Try to eat a well-balanced diet in terms of portions of food per day.

Why? The correct balance of nutrients gives you energy and protects you against sickness.

How? Bread, cereal, pasta or rice should make up the largest portion on your plate. Try to eat a variety of fruit and vegetables, especially greens in moderate quantities. Eat a moderate amount of low fat dairy products, and try not to eat fatty and sugary foods too often.

Recipe of the Week

Pan-Seared Hamour With Lemon-Herb Mayonnaise

Serves 6

Ingredients

1/2 cup fat free mayonnaise zest and juice of a lemon 3 tsp. finely chopped tarragon 3 tsp. finely chopped shallots 6 Hamour fillets, about 6 ounces each salt to taste freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Method

Combine the mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, tarragon, and shallots in a small bowl.

(This can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator.) Season the halibut fillets with salt and pepper. Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large non-stick skillet. Add the Hamour fillets and sear the fillets for 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Serve each fillet with a dollop of lemon-herb mayonnaise.

Ask Alva

I am a 26-year-old unmarried woman. I weigh 62 kilos and I am 5’ tall. Most of my weight is centered on my hips, thighs, and bottom. I used to be a slim 47 kilos and I want to get back to that. I work long and strenuous hours and have absolutely no time for exercise. My diet is mainly two slices of toast with banana and tea for breakfast, smoked beef or chicken salami sandwich with orange juice for lunch, and for dinner, rice, bread or kobz with a meat gravy dish. I am strictly non-vegetarian! I like to snack sometimes and have a glass of fresh milk before I go to bed. I also drink lots of laban or buttermilk. On a random test my blood sugar and blood pressure were both recorded as low. I would really like to lose 10 kilos.

Mitha

At 62 kilos you are classed as being overweight. I would like to see you lose weight gradually, and permanently. Try for your first target to reduce to 57 kilos. If you are serious about losing weight, you must try to build in time in the day for exercise. I suggest you put aside 20 minutes first thing in the morning to do my mini-morning workout. Email me at [email protected] for a free copy. By doing exercise first thing in the morning you will feel fresh and ready to meet the day’s challenges. I think your diet may have too much fat. Cut out things like salami, which has a lot of fat. And I’m sorry, but the snacks should go too — try to substitute fresh fruit instead. Alva

For all your weight concerns and questions e-mail Alva Carpenter at: [email protected] Selected letters will be replied to in this column.