Avoid Holiday Weight Gain
Beware of the holiday season. The average weight gain ranges from 10-15 pounds in four short weeks!
Date: 11/01/04
Source: P M Nagele, CMP
Don't wait until after the New Year to start an exercise program. Start now. Exercise helps to reduce stress, which often leads to overeating.
Pay attention to what you eat, when you eat it, and how much of it you eat. A bowl of chips is in front of you and you down 50 chips per sitting. At 15 calories per chip, that's 750 calories without blinking an eye! Don't be fooled by fat-free foods, either. Most people replace high-fat foods with greater volumes of low-fat and fat-free foods. Fat-free does not mean calorie-free.
Eat more fruits and vegetables, but be careful of the dips that accompany them, which are usually high in fat. Substitute with fat-free versions or plain yogurt mixed with herbs and seasonings.
Don't finish your kids' meals. Three nuggets and half a small order of fries: 250 calories. Avoid fast food altogether. And remember, if it's not good for you, it's not good for your kids. Eat small portions and drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Water is involved in nearly every bodily function, including digestion, nutrient absorption, circulation and waste excretion. Dehydration contributes to fatigue and general lack of well-being.
Here's a nutritious, low-calorie broth to satisfy your hunger and de-tox your body: 2 qts. water, 8 stalks celery, bunch of parsley, 2 strips Kombu (found in health food stores) Bring all incredients to boil, lower heat and simmer 30 minutes. Strain and drink between meals.
Stress leads to overeating. Help reduce your holiday stress by getting a massage.
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