Dear Ace,
My New Year’s resolution was to lose 15 pounds, but I’ve put on 10 since the year started—how can I trim down quick?—Double-Doubling Down
 
Dear Double,
Don’t feel too bad. Spring is upon us, which means just about everyone’s resolutions have been abandoned. Still, that doesn’t mean you have to be one of the herd. Speaking of herds—did you know that super-sizing your burger value meal can add up to 1,000 calories? When you’re ordering out—order smart. It doesn’t all have to be balsamic vinegar and grilled chicken: It’s about balance. Try one indulgence paired with one sensible choice. For faster results, skip the soft drink and opt for some refreshing, calorie-free water. This will save room for more satisfying choices and is likely to make you eat less. Studies have shown that both regular and diet sodas make people eat more. Take that, soft drink corporation!
 
A large value meal with a burger, fries, and a regular soft drink can take up your entire recommended daily allowance of 2,000 calories. So if you’re determined to drive thru—try a compromise. Choose your favorite burger, or better yet, go for one of the chicken sandwiches that are often lower in calories. Skip the fries and grab a side salad, shaving off another 500 calories. Making these changes can save you 1,000 calories in one meal. If you practice this just once a week, that’s 52,000 calories a year that you won’t be adding to your rear end.
 
It’s the small and consistent changes that will really take you to your goals. But this will take time. Stay away from the crash diets—most of which are designed for quick results without regard for keeping the pounds off. Instead, focus on what you can do to add to your health instead of what you should deprive yourself of. Add a workout 3-5 times a week. Find a new, active hobby.
 
While it’s not realistic to expect major changes over night, you can rest assured knowing that it’s typically much easier for men to lose weight than women. Does that sound bitter? It is, a little bit,
but I support you in your goals, Double, and wish you happy meals … preferably made at home from fresh organic ingredients. But don’t go all-in on my advice…
 
WHAT WOULD JOKER DO?
Ace and I once made a pact to lose 10 pounds in a month. She limited her diet to leafy vegetables and tofu and practically lived inside the gym for 30 days. She ended up losing eight pounds. I got a little sidetracked the first few weeks, but halfway through the month I gave up soda and lost 11 pounds. Take heart, amigo. I recommend against that new fast food sandwich on the market … you know, the one consisting of two pieces of fried chicken stuck together by half a pound of cheese. That’s what we call a bad choice. Try to make more good choices than bad ones—and maybe skip the fries for a few weeks. You can do it.
 
Ace is a 27 year old Poker-Brat with a knack for the written word and a self-proclaimed ability to tell it like it is. If necessary—she is also willing to provide character references from several Facebook friends. She credits at least half of her savoir-faire to her father—a well-known aficionado of all things gambling.
 
Joker is a long-time friend of Ace. You may not ask directly for advice from Joker, but whether you admit it or not, most people have, at one time or another, wondered W.W.J.D?
 
If you’re in need of advice on any topic, you’ve come to the right place. Direct your questions, comments and complaints to DearAce@pokerplayernewspaper.com and who knows—you may be the next lucky contender to see your advice inside the pages of Poker Player.