The holidays are fast approaching, really fast. Believe it or not, it feels like Labor Day was just a couple of weeks ago. As the weather gets colder and colder we tend to stay indoors and some of us become slaves to the refrigerator.
"OK, OK, hes going to talk about dieting again...Doesnt he ever give up on that?" you ask. Well, no. And guess what. During the upcoming holidays youll probably appreciate me harping on this subject.
For instance, the typical Thanksgiving dinner has well over 1,000 calories. Add to that all the festive snacking that abounds, and its no surprise that youll probably gain about 5 pounds during the holiday season. For all that running around and dinner preparation youll be doing, youre still not going to keep off extra weight. An extra 5 pounds means that youve eaten 17,000 calories more than you usually do. That may sound like a lotand it isbut it really amounts to just 500 extra calories per day between Thanksgiving and New Years. You can probably eat 500 calories without realizing it. Say, for instance, you have a cup of eggnog, or a cookie or two, or a piece of grandmas pecan pie. Then WHAM! Fat city!
Whats that saying? "A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips." Well, it doesnt have to be that way, and you dont have to deprive yourself, either. Just cut out a few things that you normally eat to make room for the extras, or make substitutions to decrease your calorie intake. Trade-offs could be pay-offs.
Your other choice isnt so pretty. If youve got a big party coming up, and youre "saving up" for it by not eating during the week because you plan on pigging outdont do it. Youll regret it the morning after. Dont use the holidays as an excuse for casting aside healthy eating habits.
One of the most important tips for keeping that weight off is to continue on your regular exercise routine. Many people cancel their workouts due to the rush-rush of the holiday season. Instead, you should be extra-vigilant of your workout time. Exercise now is more important than at any other time of the year. Yes, even more important than bathing suit time.
Here are some healthful tips to keep down the fat and calorie content in your holiday eating, whether youre snuggled in front of the fireplace with your significant other, or attending your office party with a crowd of pretentious co-workers:
While traveling, pack snack foods to enjoy along the way that wont blow your diet. Pretzels, bagels, breakfast cereal, fruit, and cut vegetables work nicely. These are especially important if youll be flying, because theyll help you avoid that hideous, high altitude, high-fat airline food. Just say "No" (thank you, Nancy Reagan.)
Always drain the fat off of any cooked turkey, chicken, beef, or pork. Try not to use the drippings unless you plan to deglaze the roasting pan. You can skim off the lingering fat and mix the essence with packaged non-fat gravy from the grocery store for a better flavor.
Make mashed potatoes with skim milk, using a sparing amount of butter. You can also add nonfat sour cream, or cream cheese. I prefer mine with chopped chives, which add almost no calories whatsoever. My dear, dear friend Martha Stewart told me to use a little bit of butter on vegetables for the great flavor. Just toss gently to coat them. Remember, vegetables are a great, healthy choice at any holiday meal.
When youre making breads or muffins, substitute applesauce or half-and-half for any oil, butter, or shortening called for in the recipe.
Lets say youve gorged yourself anyway, despite my repeated warnings. Picture this. You and your entire family, laying around, stuffed with a holiday mealbelts unbuckled, buttons undone, youre semi-comatose. Repeats of this mornings parades are still playing on the news programs. What do you do now? Lie there like a hog wallowing on the sofa, or go outside in the fresh air to take a walk? Why not have the family plan a walk together? If the weathers nice enough, you can even take a short bike ride. Any kind of physical activity will help to get your blood pumping and burn some calories (even if it is just a few).
So there you have it, folks. Some tips, advice, and warnings about the impending holiday season. This time of the year is probably the most detrimental to anybodys dieting plans. Use common sense, whether at home or out and about.
This is the last column I have until Valentines Day. Im just going to trust you all in your endeavors to live a healthier lifestyle. Ive had a wonderful year, because Ive met many great people and Ive managed to take my personal training business to the next level by opening my own health club. Whether you live in the area or are planning a trip to the beach, stop by Ricks Fitness & Health in Milton to say hello. In the mean time, warmer weather is just around the corner. Good-bye for now!
Rick Moore is a personal trainer certified by the American Fitness Professionals & Associates. He believes in common-sense, drug-free training. Visit him at Ricks Fitness & Health, Inc. in beautiful downtown Milton. Check out his website at http://www.enrapt.com/ricksfitness, or give him a call at (302) 684-3669.
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11/21/97 Issue. Copyright 1997 by CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. All rights reserved.