I'm 65, 5-10, 155 lbs., in good shape -- work out hard at the gym with weights and cardio 3-5 times a week. I make some slow strength gains, but my biggest problem is my potbelly. It's growing! My waist measures 35 inches! I've been eating a very strict non-fat diet, and now my gym buddies say that's a mistake -- my body is panicking, is storing up fat, and eating up muscle. I should be eating some fat. Question: How much and what kind? Eggs, whole milk, meat, cheese?

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How are you eating no fat? Even if you are a vegan, there are still nuts and seeds you need to eat (they contain fat) to get the required protein a human body needs. Your body needs fat just like it has other requirements to function healthy.

It is said to keep your fat intake under 30% and better yet if it is lower although I do not know what the lowest level is safe. I have found much success in doing this. Now, if you are eating things other than whole foods, the calories go up in low and no fat items. You have to burn off those execess calories, but it sounds like you are working at it if you are exercising 3-5 days a minimum of 20 minutes cardio and some say a minimum of 30 cardio.

You asked which fat to eat. The same ole story applies I would assume, to eat a variety of foods for a balanced diet. Anything coming from an animal has fat as do nuts and seeds. The later, in my opinion is healthier for you, but I still have to have my nonfat cheese and n/f icecream to LOL. Perhaps there is a nutrionist that frequents the board that can better help you.

How long have you been doing the same workout? Perhaps it is time to up grade it a bit now that your body is getting fit and it is finding the workout easier. This is just my suggestion. I am not a professional by any means and not sure exactly what you are doing at the gym, but thought I would through that out to you.

Cheryl