LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Fitness |
by Rick Moore |
Cents and Sense Well, Thanksgiving is nearly upon us. This day where we share our country's bounty with our loved ones is truly special for all. Many of us have a tradition of fixing our dinner our own waystuffing, cranberries, yams, whatever your family did in the past, you continued that same tradition. I know I sure have. With that dinner comes a price, both physically and monetarily. Let's talk about the latter, first. The cost of a Thanksgiving Dinner is up again this year. The American Farm Bureau Federation's 2006 survey of prices for Turkey day basics found that it had increased only by $1.32 over the year before. Information for 2007 was not available at press time, so I did some homework by shopping at a local food store. Let's compare 2006 to todayitem per itemand see what happens. In 2006, turkey cost 98 cents per poundup 4 cents from 2005. At our local market turkeys are 49 cents per pounda big difference per pound and a bigger valuescore one for 2007. Those yams you bake in the oven? Last year they averaged 97 cents a pound. The local market price this year is 70 cents per pound. Now we are cooking. Cranberry sauce (whole or jellied) was 79 centsthe price now is 2/$1.50 (heybreak even on this one). A pound of peas was pegged at $1.46 in 2006. I found a pound of peas for 99 centsbig difference. A 14 oz. bag of stuffing last year cost $2.52, and it was $1.99 for 16 oz. at the local store this past weekend. You want some pumpkin pie with that? You paid $2.99 for it last year. This year's cost is $1.99 per pie. HeyI bought two at that price! Although these items are lower than last year, it's the ingredients we use to make and complete our dinner that have truly increased in price. We have seen a dozen large eggs nearly double in price from last year to $2.39 a carton. Milk has also skyrocketed. A gallon of whole milk has jumped from $2.93 to over $4.00 these past couple of months. Though the traditional items may be on sale, those added ingredients you use have increased in price. Now remember back in the beginning, I said that Thanksgiving Day dinner comes at a price? Now that we've taken care of the cost of dinner, let's talk about what the dinner will cost you...in pounds and inches. Many (or most) of us will stuff ourselves silly. We will then lie down to take a quick nap. Instead of lying down, remain active. Help clean up after dinner; take a walk if the weather is cooperating; stretch; take the dog out for a stroll. Statistics tell us that we will gain five to ten pounds between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Why do you think we see those TV ads for joining health spas and gyms? Hey, they know what you did! And they're banking on your over-indulging to lure you in. Well, fool them all! Eat sparingly. Have just a taste of dessert. High protein and low carbs are the way to go. Kind of stick to the South Beach diet. Cut out or limit processed flour and processed sugar items. Many of us get sidetracked from our workouts due to the hectic holiday schedule. Don't give in to the hectic pace. Stick to your exercise regimen throughout the holidays. Limit or cut out alcoholyou don't need the excess calories. This holiday season, you can save money and save inches by using common sense and common cents! Happy Holiday wishes and a great year from me, Nick, and our bouncing baby 16 week old sheltie, Zack.Rick Moore is a personal trainer certified by the American Fitness Professionals & Associates. Visit him at www.ricksfitness.net. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 17, No. 15 November 21, 2007 |