Question: I am a 26 year old Hispanic female. I currently weigh 125 lbs. I work out between 3-5 times a week for approximately 60 min. My daily calorie intake is around 2000 calories. I was wondering what is the frequency and duration of cardio I need to maintain my weight? The problem is when I workout out too long (<45 min), I tend to overeat.

- Anitria, McAllen, TX

Answer: I didn't read that you were doing any strength training or weight lifting in your workouts. That would need to begin first.As a side note: your weight on the scale shouldn't matter as much as the way you look, feel and what I call "symmetry ratio".Symmetry ratio is what your chest and hips are measured compared to your waist. Your waist should be between 8 to 10 inches smaller than your chest and hips. And if you didn't know... your chest and hips should be the same. Also your neck, arms and calves should be about the same. I say about, because most women who have been heavy will usually have an inch larger calf compared to the other sites.

Your question pertained to how much cardio do I recommend. I usually don't recommend more than 15 miutes of aerobic activity because I believe it to be a waste of time. If you are like everyone else that does "cardio" for hours...your body will become too exhausted to burn fuel efficiently. I would rather rest and go at it again in an interval style of training. Other fitness professionals have their theories on this subject but you asked me and that's my opinion.

With regards to over eating, your body is asking for more fuel so I think you need it or in most cases your body requires more water. Your brain sometimes doesn't know the difference between being thirsty or hungry so we will eat food instead of drink water. When you feel hungry after your workout drink at least 16 ounces of water and if you feel hungry after that than your body needs nourishment. So give it nourishment in small doses.